Less rigid in growth form than other Mesquites, Texas Honey Mesquite has a graceful, slightly weeping form that closely resembles the California Pepper Tree (Schinus molle). The Texas Honey Mesquite is used as a shade tree and for firewood. The leaves are used as fodder for livestock and the pods and seeds are of high nutritive value and are ground to make an animal feed. The flowers attract many species of birds, butterflies, and bees.