Title: Plants of Texas Rangelands » Honey mesquite
Headings: Honey mesquite
Honey mesquite
Description
Habitat
Toxic Agent
Signs of Livestock Ingestion
Management Strategies
Images

Content: The leaves of honey mesquite are deciduous and located alternately along the stems. The fruits are loosely clustered pods (beans) reaching 8 to 10 inches long. They may be abnormally abundant in drought years. The beans can provide fair forage for livestock and wildlife but can be toxic to livestock if consumed as a high percentage of the diet. Habitat
Generally found throughout Texas, honey mesquite is common on dry ranges across the state. It is found from California to Kansas, Texas and Mexico. Toxic Agent
Mesquite beans primarily affect cattle, although goats have also been affected. Sheep are reportedly resistant. Horses that eat the beans may be susceptible to impaction colic. In some ways, the syndrome produced by a diet of mesquite beans is best considered a nutritional problem.