06/19/2026
Summer in the Sonoran Desert is a season of abundance. As the legume trees' seed pods ripen, they remind us of the deep knowledge and resourcefulness of the people who have lived with this desert for eons.
Ironwood tree seeds have long been harvested and prepared in many ways—eaten fresh, steamed, toasted, sprouted, or ground into pinole. Even the flowers are edible! These remarkable trees provide food, habitat, and shade, making them one of the Sonoran Desert's most important keystone species.
While ironwood was historically valued for its exceptionally hard, dense wood, the species is now protected. Ironwood trees are considered threatened in parts of their range, and it is illegal to harvest them for firewood, carving, or other wood products.
As we celebrate the bounty of the summer season, we honor the cultural traditions and ecological relationships that continue to connect people to this land.
