Alternate name: Whitethorn, Mescat Acacia

Family: Fabaceae, Pea view all from this family

Description A 9-15 ft., multi-trunked tree with small, yellow-orange balls of fragrant flowers and finely segmented, pinnate leaves which fall off during dry seasons. Long spines on older growth. 2-4 in. beans ripen to bright red. Winter branches are purplish-colored.

Habitat Dry slopes; washes; mesas.

Range Texas to Arizona and Mexico.

Discussion Mescat Wattle, or Whitethorn, is found in the wild without thorns, so a thornless selection is possible. Its form is variable.

Comments Mescat Wattle, or Whitethorn, is found in the wild without thorns, so a thornless selection is possible. Form is variable.

Exposure Preference Sun.

Flower May - August

Native Distribution Texas to Arizona & Mexico

Site Preference Dry slopes; washes; mesas

Soil Preference Dry, sandy or limestone soil.