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Prosopis chilensis (Chilean mesquite)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
8m
Max height
Max height
8m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Prosopis chilensis
Other names
Chilean mesquite, South American mesquite
Genus
Prosopis Prosopis
Species
P. chilensis - P. chilensis is a borderline hardy, upright to spreading, thorny, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into linear, widely spaced, bright green leaflets and spikes of pale yellow-green flowers in spring followed by long, slightly twisted, green seed pods ripening pale brown.
Prosopis chilensis is: Deciduous
Habit
Open branches, Spreading
Toxicity
Trees have spines. Handle carefully.
Flower
Pale-yellow in Spring
Foliage
Flushed purple, Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation methods
Stem tip cuttings, Seed
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Where to grow
Prosopis chilensis (Chilean mesquite) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 8m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Rock, Mediterranean, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Coastal, City, Beds and borders
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in well-drained sand or loam in full sun. Tolerates heat, drought, and saline conditions once established. Site carefully as this tree produces considerable litter when seed pods fall. Considered an invasive species in many introduced areas.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Prosopis chilensis
Other names
Chilean mesquite, South American mesquite
Genus
Prosopis Prosopis
Species
P. chilensis - P. chilensis is a borderline hardy, upright to spreading, thorny, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into linear, widely spaced, bright green leaflets and spikes of pale yellow-green flowers in spring followed by long, slightly twisted, green seed pods ripening pale brown.
Native to
Chile
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Open branches, Spreading
Toxicity
Trees have spines. Handle carefully.
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Colour
Flower
Pale-yellow in Spring
Foliage
Flushed purple, Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation methods
Stem tip cuttings, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Prosopis chilensis (Chilean mesquite) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 8m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Rock, Mediterranean, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Coastal, City, Beds and borders
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in well-drained sand or loam in full sun. Tolerates heat, drought, and saline conditions once established. Site carefully as this tree produces considerable litter when seed pods fall. Considered an invasive species in many introduced areas.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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