Texas Mountain Laurel, Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean, Mescal Bean Sophora, Frijolillo, Frijolito, Calia secundiflora
Noted for its remarkable flowers and seed pods, Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel) is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub of narrow upright habit, that can be trained into a single or multi-trunk small tree. In spring, it boasts a profusion of dense, pendulous clusters of extremely fragrant, purple-blue flowers. Reminiscent of wisteria blooms, their unique fragrance is often described as grape bubblegum or grape soda. Rich in pollen and nectar, the flowers attract bees and butterflies. They are followed by gray fuzzy seed pods, 8 in. long (20 cm), which dangle from the tree like Christmas ornaments, decorating it all summer until fall. The beautiful red seeds inside the pods have been used to make necklaces and are highly valued by Native Americans for their ornamental and ceremonial use. The lush and dense foliage of lustrous, leathery, dark green leaves provides year long beauty. Tough as nails, Texas Mountain Laurel withstands heat, is extremely drought tolerant and thrives in poor alkaline soils. It can be used as a specimen, patio, or street tree and is ideal for use as a screen or an espalier. Great for xeriscape gardens that it will grace with its presence. Please note that both seeds and flowers are poisonous and contain narcotic properties. Be sure to keep small children and pets a safe distance from this plant.
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Frijolito, Mountain Laurel, Texas Mountain Laurel |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Spread |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | New Mexico, Southwest, Texas, United States |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Frijolito, Mountain Laurel, Texas Mountain Laurel |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Spread |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | New Mexico, Southwest, Texas, United States |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
How many Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!