Family: Fabaceae
Compound: Lys wat
Synonyms: Lysiloma thornberi
Geographic Origin: Rincon Mountains AZ, NW Mexico
Characteristics: A mid sized tree, with rough brown bark on young stems, and flakey brown bark
with age. Thorns are absent. Leaves are bipinnately compound, with conspicuous axils. Flowers
are mimosoid, resembling white-cream balls of fluff. Fruits are large, flat, papery bean pods
with round, flattened, brown seeds.
Natural History: Grows on rocky hillsides and in canyons. Retains leaves throughout the winter
unless temperatures drop too low.
Cultivation Notes: Occasionally available at local nurseries, it is prized for its attractive growth
form, delicate feather-like leaves, and evergreen foliage. The thornless nature of this species
also makes it a favorable landscape plant. It is also a beneficial plant for wildlife due to its dense
canopy, flowers, etc. Seeds can be collected easily from the papery seed pods, and do not
require scarification or soaking to germinate, though both techniques may increase
germination rate or speed. The seeds can be placed just below the soil surface in a deep pot,
with consistently moist soil.
For plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Inner bark brewed into medicinal tea to relieve gas and symptoms of liver
problems.
Citations:
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/sheets/Lyswat.pdf
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?page=2&taxon_id=164991