When the Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina) trees begin blooming here in Tucson, usually in April and May, my yard will be filled with the soporific steady humming sound of thousands of Honeybees busily visiting the light yellow flowers.

Mesquite honey is a pale amber color and quite delicious. Some of this Southwestern specialty is produced right here in Tucson.

Even though they are not intentionally watered, the Velvet Mesquite trees in my yard always bloom quite heavily.

These adaptable native trees have managed to "steal" some of the water from my cultivated plants, and these thieving Velvet Mesquites have become large, lush, and very green.