Description

USES

• Ornamental shade tree in landscapes and streets
• Windbreak and erosion control
• Dried fruits sometimes used as a spice substitute (though caution: mildly toxic to some animals and people)

HARDINESS ZONES

• USDA Hardiness Zones 8 – 11
• Can tolerate minimum winter temperatures around 20°F to 25°F
• Frost-sensitive when young but tolerates light frost once established

ROOT SYSTEM

• Extensive and aggressive root system
• Can be invasive near foundations, pipes, sidewalks, and septic systems
• Needs plenty of space to grow

MEASUREMENT & SIZES

• Fast – Can grow 30 to 40 ft tall and spread 25 to 40 ft
• It forms a broad umbrella-shaped canopy with weeping branches

WATER NEEDS

• Low – Once established is highly drought-tolerant
• Requires occasional deep watering in extreme heat or drought
• Overwatering should be avoided

LIGHT NEEDS

• Requires full sun at least 6 hours daily
• Does not tolerate shade well

PRUNNING

• Prune in late winter to early spring
• Thin out crossing branches and remove suckers from the base
• Avoid heavy pruning

GROWTH RATE

• Fast – Can grow 2 to 3 ft per year
• Slows as it matures