What Tree Is That? Online
Are the twigs armed with sharp spines 1/2-2" long; the 4-9" pod does not split lengthwise along 2 lines?
CLUE: this tree is native throughout the Southwest.
It is a mesquite.
Are the twigs not armed with sharp spines, though some trees may have branched thorns on branches and the trunk; the 12-18" pod splits lengthwise along 2 lines?
CLUE: this tree is not native to the western U.S.
It is a honeylocust.
Get the Full-Color Pocket Field Guide
Perfect for everyone from young students to professional arborists.
One of the best, pocket-sized tree identification manuals.
Steve Nix, About.com