Screwbean Mesquite
Prosopis pubescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Screwbean Mesquite is a drought-tolerant native tree of Texas and the Southwest, producing distinctive twisted seed pods and blooming from March through November.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Screwbean Mesquite as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–180" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
TX
Pollinators
bees, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Screwbean Mesquite is a small native tree with distinctive twisted seed pods and delicate compound leaves. It produces fragrant yellow flower spikes from spring through fall and develops an attractive rounded canopy with age.
Growing Screwbean Mesquite
Grow Screwbean Mesquite in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 180 inches tall and spread 120 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Screwbean Mesquite is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
- Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
- Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.
Wildlife value
The extended blooming period provides nectar for bees and other pollinators from spring through fall. The twisted seed pods are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Screwbean Mesquite bloom?
- Screwbean Mesquite has an extended blooming period from March through November, producing small yellowish flowers that attract bees and other insects.
- What pollinators visit Screwbean Mesquite?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of Screwbean Mesquite, along with various nectar-feeding insects that visit the small fragrant flowers.
- Where is Screwbean Mesquite native?
- Screwbean Mesquite is native to Texas and extends throughout the southwestern United States, typically found in desert washes and riparian areas.
- What are the distinctive features of Screwbean Mesquite?
- Screwbean Mesquite is easily identified by its unique tightly coiled, twisted seed pods that resemble screws, giving the plant its common name.
- Is Screwbean Mesquite toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Screwbean Mesquite as toxic to livestock.
- Is Screwbean Mesquite HOA-friendly?
- Screwbean Mesquite is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Screwbean Mesquite fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.