Contents
Description
Dalea Mollissima, commonly known as the velvet mesquite, is a shrubby tree that belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and can grow up to 30 feet tall. The velvet mesquite is known for its beautiful canopy of feathery foliage and its long-lasting, fragrant, and showy flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalea |
Appearance
The velvet mesquite has a broad, spreading, and open canopy with thin branches. The leaves are small, feathery, and gray-green in color. The flowers of the velvet mesquite are pink to purple in color and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the velvet mesquite is a legume that is brown and hairy. The bark of the tree is light gray and smooth when young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree ages.
Care Guide
Dalea Mollissima is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your velvet mesquite healthy:- Water: Water your velvet mesquite deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Fertilize your velvet mesquite once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Plant your velvet mesquite in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: The velvet mesquite requires full sun to grow.- Hardiness Zones: The velvet mesquite can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The velvet mesquite is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that can affect the plant:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and stunting of the leaves. Use neem oil to control them.- Root rot: This disease can occur when the soil is too wet. Avoid overwatering your velvet mesquite.
Habitat
The velvet mesquite is a native plant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, and savannas. The velvet mesquite is an important plant for wildlife, as it provides food and shelter for birds, insects, and other animals.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my velvet mesquite?
A: Water your velvet mesquite deeply once a week during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the velvet mesquite?
A: The velvet mesquite can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Q: What kind of soil does the velvet mesquite prefer?
A: Plant your velvet mesquite in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Q: How do I control spider mites on my velvet mesquite?
A: Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites on your velvet mesquite.
Related Plants
– Dalea Albiflora- Dalea Candida- Dalea Frutescens- Dalea Glaucophylla
References
– USDA Plants Database: https://plants.usda.gov/home- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/- Arizona State University: https://cals.arizona.edu/extension/ornamentalhort/water/lowdesert/dalea.html
