A low-growing tree of the Lower Sonoran Zone. Uncommon in Zion but fairly abundant in the desert area adjacent to the park. In early spring during March and April bright-green leaves cover the tree, and often it is laden with catkinlike clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, which attract myriads of insects including the honey bees.
The wood of this tree was used extensively by early settlers for fuel, building corrals and in making furniture and utensils. The fruit of the Mesquite, resembling a string bean, is used for food by many animals. Indians also made wide use of it by grinding the beans into a meal called “Pinole.”
Honey Mesquite
42. LUPINEPea Family
Lupinus sp.
There are so many varieties of Lupine that it is most difficult to identify the numerous species. In this area they are found abundantly on the high plateaus, being especially plentiful at Cedar Breaks, where they fill whole meadows with a mass of blue color in midsummer.
The Lupines range in color from pale pink to deep purple, with some white, cream or yellow, but most of them are blue. Like other plants of the Pea Family, Lupines add nitrogen to the soil and thereby improve the land on which they grow. The seeds of a few species contain alkaloids which are poisonous to livestock, especially sheep.
Lupine