In article , Ed
writes:

I've got 6 or 7 mesquite seedlings and one ironwood seedling from seeds I
picked up off the ground
in Phoenix this summer. They're about 7" - 8" tall now. I know that
various mesquite varieties are hardy to about 0 degrees F. I'm just
outside Boston, and one or two days a year we hit 0 or go just below.
I thought I'd try planting one or two in a protected sw-facing patch in
an L-shaped corner outside my house.
Do you think they'd survive? I'd cover them if it got near 0.
Do you think they'd thrive come spring? (or, I could wait to plant them
until spring).
I'm afraid the roots may be invasive. Would they likely hurt the
foundation of the house?
Just wondering what you all think.
Thanks,
Ed


Ed, I think that mesquite is not a very suitable plant for a home
garden. It is a Phreatophyte. What does that mean? It means it
has very long, probing roots that will seek out water from the water
table, or OTHER PERMANENT WATER SOURCE.. This means
your sewer, water pipes, well, septic tank would be a suitable
substitute for a high water table.
It also needs lots of heat, and room to spread.. In good soil, with
lots of water available, they can reach 20-30 feet in height.
Maybe in a container with poor soil????

Emilie
NorCal