The Mesquite tree is probably the most prolific tree across the Valley. Only the Palo Verde comes close but I would bet that the Mesquite is more common.
Many homeowners use the Mesquite as a staple of their yards given the desert climate here. You can tell a Mesquite tree apart from a Palo Verde in that the Mesquite tree’s bark is a darker brown and can be very knotty and striated. The branches tend to be more flexible and the tree appears more wispy than a traditional Blue Palo Verde. So, the branches move more gently with the breeze.
Mesquites tend to grow very fast with watering so you may not want to give them much water. Their branches will stretch out in numerous directions. So, it’s possible to groom a Mesquite up and create a ‘canopy’ of shade. Mesquites tend to shed more than their green counterpart. Overall, Mesquite trees help to soften the landscaping when planted.
Believe it or not, if you went to other countries that had a similar desert climate, you may find a close cousin of the Mesquite there. In fact, the Mesquite can be found in Asia, Africa, and Australia.
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