Find plants

Chilean Mesquite, Algarrobo
Prosopis chilensis

Climate Resiliency 3 out of 5 stars

Broad, rounded habit. Occasionally semi-pendulous. Branches have thorns of up to 2 inches long. Trunk and branches have a twisting, architectural appearance. Finely-cut medium to deep green leaflets. Yellow catkin flowers. 3 to 5 inch long, flattened, straight to curving seed pods. Flowers attract bees. Seeds are a food source for birds. Moderate litter. Can be cleaned up or left to feed wildlife and enrich the soil. Extra water speeds up growth. Can blow over in strong winds if it has a poor root structure. Poor root structure usually caused by shallow watering, watering only at the tree's base, or girdling roots. Prune in early spring or late fall for shape and to thin canopy if it becomes too dense. Somewhat invasive roots that can crack and heave pipes, walls, pavement and foundations. Member of the Legume family.

• Plant type: Perennial, Tree
• Maintenance level: High, Medium
• Water requirement: Low
• Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Morning Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
• Height range: 30 Feet
• Width range: 30 Feet
• Growth rate: Fast
• Seasonal habit: Semi-Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
• Flower color: Yellow
• Flower season: Spring, Summer
• Fruit color: Brown
• Fruit season: Summer, Autumn
• General foliage color: Green
• Design style: Thorns/Spines
• Hardiness cold tolerance: 15 °F
• Soil preference: Sand, Clay, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
• Canopy value: 530 ft²
• Native location: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru (South America)
• PH preference: Acidic
• Sunset zones: 10, 11, 12, 13, H1, H2
• USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b

Plant characteristic definitions