Velvet Mesquite
Neltuma velutina
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Photo by David J. Stang
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Neltuma
- Species:
- Neltuma velutina
- USDA Symbol:
- PRVE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cydia membrosa, Hubbard's silk moth (Syssphinx hubbardi), Juno buckmoth (Hemileuca juno), Pococera euphemella, Semiothisa cyda, Syssphinx heiligbrodti
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) Moths:Juno buckmoth (Hemileuca juno)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire or top-kill. Often increases in density following fire disturbance.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of the hard seed coat is essential for germination. Seeds may also benefit from soaking in hot water before planting.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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