A fine tree for shading a play area or gravel-surfaced, informal lounging area. Characteristic tree of mission gardens. Fast grower to 25-40 ft. tall and wide. Trunk of old trees is heavy and gnarled, with knots and burls that sprout leaves or small branches. Bark is light brown and rough.
Limbs are heavy, branchlets light and gracefully drooping.
Brightest green of desert tolerant trees. Numerous tiny white summer flowers in drooping clusters from 4-6 inches long give way to clusters of rose colored berries in fall and winter. Subject to root rot diseases in infected soils. Fruit attracts birds. Leaves can cause dermatitis.