Contents
Description
Lysiloma divaricatum, commonly known as the Santa Cruz ironwood, is a tree species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a slow-growing, deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The bark is gray, rough, and deeply furrowed. The leaves are pinnately compound, with six to twelve pairs of leaflets that are light green and lance-shaped. The flowers are small, yellow, and clustered in racemes that bloom in the spring. The fruit is a flat, brown legume, which contains many seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Lysiloma |
Appearance
Lysiloma divaricatum is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 30 feet in height and 20 feet in width. The bark is gray and deeply furrowed, and the wood is hard and dense. The leaves are pinnately compound, with six to twelve pairs of leaflets that are light green and lance-shaped. The flowers are small, yellow, and clustered in racemes that bloom in the spring. The fruit is a flat, brown legume, which contains many seeds. The overall appearance of the tree is bushy and compact.
Care Guide
Lysiloma divaricatum is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, and it can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilization is not necessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lysiloma divaricatum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. It may also be affected by leaf spot, which can be controlled by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation around the tree.
Habitat
Lysiloma divaricatum is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert washes, rocky slopes, and dry hillsides. It is often used in landscaping as an ornamental tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lysiloma divaricatum drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Lysiloma divaricatum is drought-tolerant and can survive in arid and semi-arid regions.
Q: Does Lysiloma divaricatum require pruning?
A: Pruning is not necessary for Lysiloma divaricatum, but it can be done to maintain a desired shape or size.
Q: Is Lysiloma divaricatum evergreen?
A: No, Lysiloma divaricatum is deciduous and loses its leaves in the winter.
Q: Can Lysiloma divaricatum be grown in containers?
A: Lysiloma divaricatum can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size and potential.
Related Plants
- Lysiloma watsonii
- Lysiloma candidum
- Lysiloma latisiliquum
- Lysiloma microphyllum
References
- “Lysiloma divaricatum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed May 12, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LYDI.
- “Lysiloma divaricatum.” Arizona State University. Accessed May 12, 2021. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Lysiloma&species=divaricatum.
- “Lysiloma divaricatum.” University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Accessed May 12, 2021. https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1633-2018.pdf.
