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Desert Ironwood

Olneya tesota, Fabaceae

Zones
9–10
Layer
Understory
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Slow

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerShade Provider

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)

Water

Low

Soil pH

6.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Goji BerryLycium barbarum
Nitrogen FixationShade Provision
ArganArgania spinosa
Nurse PlantShade Provision
Texas EbonyEbenopsis ebano
Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Antagonistic Plants

Chilean HazelnutGevuina avellana

Deep-rooted desert ironwood competes with other trees for limited water resources

Uses

Functions

Food

Edible Parts

Seeds

Common Questions

What zones does Desert Ironwood grow in?

Desert Ironwood grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 10.

Is Desert Ironwood a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Desert Ironwood is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Desert Ironwood?

Good companions for Desert Ironwood include Goji Berry, Argan, Texas Ebony.

Design guilds with Desert Ironwood and see companion relationships visually.

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