Named for its dense and hard wood (one of the hardest and heaviest woods in the World), the Desert Ironwood was named after it was discovered that its wood does not float, but rather sinks in water due to its density. Its wood is a great slow-burning wood for barbequing and cooking. Also, as a “nurse plant,” Desert Ironwood is one of the most ecologically important plants in the Southwest, and is very attractive to a multitude of wildlife.