Mesquite Tree

Mesquite is an extremely hardy, drought-tolerant plant because it can draw water from the water table through its long taproot (recorded at up to 190 ft {58 m} depth). It can also use water in the upper part of the ground, depending upon availability. The tree can easily and rapidly switch from using one water source to the other.

New growth of mesquite has needle-sharp thorns up to 3 in long. The spines are tough enough to penetrate the soft soles of sneakers or similar footwear, and can easily puncture tires.