Screwbean Mesquite
Strombocarpa pubescens
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © mclay100 (iNaturalist #258146492)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Strombocarpa
- Species:
- Strombocarpa pubescens
- USDA Symbol:
- PRPU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Juno buckmoth (Hemileuca juno), Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus), Palmer's metalmark (Apodemia palmerii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout after fire; seeds benefit from fire scarification.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification for best germination.
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)