Ironwood

Olneya tesota

Fabaceae · broadleaf evergreen tree · introduced

Last updated March 8, 2026

Quick Facts

Height

30 ft

Growth Rate

Slow

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Adaptable

Water

Low

Hardiness

Zones 8b–9a

Bloom Time

early spring

View full calendar (5 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
New growth flush BBCH 11	Feb 15-Mar 15	Lighter-colored new growth visible at branch tips
Bloom start BBCH 61	Mar 1-Mar 31	First open flowers visible; flowers purple
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 1-Apr 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.