Desert Mesquite Trees
Hide under it – sit on it – walk on it – even cook with it

The mesquite tree in the foreground lives harmoniously with the tall cactus behind it. The mesquite is 'friend' to many species of desert flora. It protects many smaller plants from being trampled or eaten, and provides necessary nitrogen to all plants near it.

Ancient peoples, as well as Native Americans, used the mesquite to its fullest capacity. The thorns were used to make sharp, durable needles used for sewing, and holding things together. The inner bark, when stripped and dried, could be woven into a variety of strong fabrics and materials used to make things such as mats, baskets, utilitarian pieces, and decorative clothing. The pods were eaten, ground into flour, and used to make medicinal teas. Other parts of the tree were used in construction, for fires, and for making both bows and arrows. Even this amazing tree's sap was used to concoct dyes and a sweet, chewy gum. The dyes were used for personal markings, and the marking of objects.

The mesquite is also an important part of the desert ecology. This member of the Legume Family restores much needed nitrogen to the soil. It also offers sustenance to many species of wildlife during hard times in the desert, and it is often the only provider of shade in thousands of square miles.

Many species of birds can find sanctuary in the relatively low branches of the mesquite because of its lengthy, and sharp thorns. These thorns are effective deterrents to many predators seeking a nice bird meal.

Early settlers to the Tucson area found that mesquite made excellent fence posts, and could also be fashioned into smooth, long-lasting wagon wheels. The attractive durability of the wood prompted its use as a paving material, and flooring. Mesquite's unusual ability to shift without splitting makes it the ideal choice for numerous applications. Rocking chairs, small tables, and humidors made of this wood two centuries ago, are still in excellent condition today. Some of the very oldest buildings in the Tucson area sport massive doors made of mesquite – which is a heavy wood.

This small mesquite tree doesn't provide much shade during the noonday sun, but it does provide much needed cover for the smaller desert herbivores. Cover is scarce in the desert, and animals aggressively seek it out and defend it. Scorpions compete for area under rocks, snakes for crevices, and small caves, and hares and javelina for ground cover.

Today, the dark brown wood with deep golden swirls and semi-coarse grain is highly sought after for use in furniture and flooring. It is also actively sought after by barbecue aficionados who prize it for the delicious flavors it imparts to anything that is cooked over it. In Texas, mesquite barbecue restaurants proudly display that they use the wood in their fires.

Not everyone everywhere is positive about having mesquite trees in their area. Take Australia, for example. Over the past couple of centuries, these hardy trees were planted in various locations of the land down under. Today, the trees have become quite the nuisance – as is indicated by the following excerpt taken from the Australian Government's:

WEEDS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
MESQUITE - (Prosopis species) Strategic Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mesquites (Prosopis species) are one of northern Australia’s worst weeds. They are a group of thorny shrubs and trees that aggressively replace grasslands and thornless shrubland. Most impacts are in pastoral and extensive grazing regions. Current infestations cover 800,000 hectares. Most of the arid to subhumid tropical areas of Australia are however climatically suitable for mesquite, particularly along watercourses and floodplains, although it may also grow on uplands and poses a threat to all areas with agricultural and conservation value. The major challenges for control of mesquites are to build on the existing achievements by landholders, researchers and States in controlling infestations, to remove the current, and prevent the potential impacts on Australia.

The vision of the strategy is that: Mesquite species and hybrids are confined and eventually eradicated from Australia.
(Maybe the Australians should invite a bunch of Texans over to open barbecue pits!)

Mesquite favors the low areas around washes, springs, creeks, and river beds. When mesquite dig in around a plentiful water supply they can grow quite quickly, and be the bright, rich greens seen here. Note that some mesquite have started to grow up the rocky hillside.

There are several stores in the Tucson area that sell mesquite furniture, and even several places that will custom build furniture made from this amazingly durable and beautiful wood. Even if you're not interested in buying, the deep, rich character of this wood makes a trip to go see it worthwhile.

Mesquite is just one more incredible attribute of the desert southwest. Enjoy it in the wild, enjoy it in your home, and even enjoy at some restaurants.

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