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By: Janae Humpherys
INTRODUCTION
Hello class. We are here to learn about the Ironwood tree. It lives in the Sonoran Desert. I can grow 45 feet tall and live for 1,500 years.
  WHO AM I?
I am one of the most ecologically and economically important plant species in the region. I am not endangered or threatened. I was first described in 1854. My wood is very hard and heavy and can last up to 1,600 years.
WHERE DO I LIVE? I live in dry areas below 2,500 feet. My favorite place to live is in dry washes. I shelter other plants and animals from the blazing sun, harsh temperatures, and predators. I am a very important part of the Sonoran Desert. WHAT DO I EAT? I conserve water during the high daytime temperatures and dry seasons. I lose less water through my leaves than other plants. I grow very slow, since my photosynthesis rates are very low. During long droughts, I get my water from my leaves, limbs, and roots. HOW DO I LOOK? Ironwoods can be either single or multi-trunked. They grow lavender/pink flowers during May. During the summer, 2-inch pods appear wit one to four shiny brown seeds. The wood on this tree is said to be one of the world’s densest woods. HOW DO I REPRODUCE? The flowers and fruit on me spread their seeds and depending on the amount of rain, will germinate. Not many studies have been conducted on my reproduction, but it is likely that the seedlings germinate from rodent caches. FUN FACT ABOUT ME? I am one of the largest and longest-lived Sonoran Desert plants.
I can grow 45 feet tall and live for 1,500 years.
WHERE DID YOU FIND INFORMATION ABOUT ME? On the Internet ACTIVITIES
Kindergarten Activity
1st/2nd Grade Activity
3rd Grade Activity
References
Ironwood
Center for Sonoran Desert Studies
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