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Desert Ironwood
Olneya tesota
In the United States:
Native
· also called ironwood
Desert Ironwood trees produce clusters of fragrant purple pea-like flowers that attract honeybees seeking nectar and pollen in arid landscapes. Bloom peaks in late spring following adequate winter rainfall, offering a moderate forage contribution during a season when other desert plants may be sparse. This slow-growing legume fixes nitrogen in the soil and provides long-term habitat structure but requires deep watering when young to establish in well-drained sites.
| Nectar | medium |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | April–June |
| Duration | ~45 days |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |
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