Velvet Mesquite
Neltuma velutina
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Neltuma
- Species:
- Neltuma velutina
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Mexico
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Castor semi-looper (Achaea janata), Cydia membrosa, Hubbard's silk moth (Syssphinx hubbardi), Ithome concolorella, Juno buckmoth (Hemileuca juno), Pococera euphemella, Semiothisa cyda, Syssphinx heiligbrodti
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in arid and semi-arid regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Scarification is needed. This can be achieved by cutting the seed coat with a scalpel or immersing the seeds in boiling water for five minutes.
Establishment: P. velutina grows below 1700m (5600ft) in desert plains and washes across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is the dominant tree species along washes and provides important food and shelter for a variety of animals.
Source: npn.rngr.net