Olneya tesota - Desert Ironwood - Wildflowers of Tucson, Arizona

Violet Wildflower

Scientific Name: Olneya tesota
Common Name: Desert Ironwood
Flower Color: Purple with white or pale pink
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub, Perennial, Deciduous
Height: To 35 feet (10.7 m) tall
Date Observed: May 14, 2005 & May 28, 2005
Notes: The 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide flowers are pea-like. The wing petals are purple and the other petals are white to pale pink. The leaves are pinnately compound with small, rounded leaflets. The bark is gray and becomes rough with age. The wood is very hard and dense. This native tree blooms in May and June.

Olneya tesota