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Algarroba-bean

Prosopis juliflora

Last reviewed: September 2026

Algarroba-bean (Prosopis juliflora)
Photo: (c) Mitch Van Dyke, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Algarroba-bean (Prosopis juliflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

180"–360" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

OK

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Algarroba-bean is a large, drought-tolerant tree that can reach 15-30 feet tall and wide. It produces fragrant yellow flower spikes in late spring and summer, followed by edible seed pods. This hardy tree thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Algarroba-bean takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Extremely invasive species banned in many areas
  • Produces messy seed pods that drop continuously
  • Can become weedy and difficult to control

Wildlife value

The abundant flowers provide excellent nectar for bees and other pollinators during the summer months. Birds and small mammals often feed on the nutritious seed pods.

Common questions

How much sun does Algarroba-bean need?
Algarroba-bean grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Algarroba-bean bloom?
Algarroba-bean blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Algarroba-bean native?
Algarroba-bean (Prosopis juliflora) is native to OK, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Algarroba-bean attract?
Algarroba-bean draws bees.
Is Algarroba-bean HOA-friendly?
Algarroba-bean takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Algarroba-bean? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz