The tree occurs from below sea level to approximately 900 m elevation, most often in sandy and rocky soils of plains, slopes and along dry washes. Its Ph limits are unknown, but it grows well in soils with a range of 7 to 8.5. Along its range, O. tesota is a dominant component of many plant communities. In the more and portions of its range it is restricted to dry desert watercourses where storm runoff increases the available moisture. The largest individuals are found in these habitats, often forming woodlands with other desert trees including Cercidium floridum , Prosopis glandulosa var.
Seeds require rainfall or storm runoff during the hot season to germinate.
Few seedlings which germinate away from the protective cover of other plants survive rodent predation. The trees are long-lived, perhaps attaining 200 years of age. Dead stumps can persist for decades. The trees serve as a source of food and shelter for many species of wildlife. Other desert plants, including shrubs, vines, cacti, and annuals, often grow in the microclimate beneath the canopy of O. tesota .