Texas Mountain Laurel, Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean, Mescal Bean Sophora, Frijolillo, Frijolito, Calia secundiflora
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum, commonly known as Texas Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean, or Frijolillo, is an evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its beautiful, fragrant blossoms and drought resistance. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it thrives in arid climates and rocky soils, making it ideal for xeriscaping and sustainable gardening.
Despite its common name, Texas Mountain Laurel is not related to true laurels such as Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Instead, it belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae), which includes plants like peas, beans, lupines, redbuds, and orchid trees. The species was previously known botanically as Sophora secundiflora.
Texas Mountain Laurel is native to the Southwestern United States, including Texas and New Mexico, and parts of northern and central Mexico, such as Chihuahua and Coahuila. It commonly thrives in dry habitats, rocky slopes, and limestone soils, often forming thickets along stream borders.
Texas Mountain Laurel is typically a multi-trunked shrub but can be trained into an attractive small tree with careful pruning.
Texas Mountain Laurel usually grows to a height of 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters) and spreads about 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). Although slow-growing, it can eventually reach heights up to 30 feet (9 meters) under optimal conditions.
Texas Mountain Laurel is a notably long-lived plant, capable of thriving for up to 80 years or more under ideal growing conditions, making it an enduring and reliable choice for landscapes.
One of its most captivating features, the Texas Mountain Laurel blooms in spring, displaying stunning racemes of violet-blue to purple, pea-like flowers. Resembling wisteria blossoms, each drooping flower cluster measures between 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm) long and emits an exceptionally sweet fragrance reminiscent of grape soda or grape bubblegum, making them highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
After flowering, fuzzy, gray, woody pods develop, measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. These pods dangle attractively from the branches like ornamental decorations, providing visual interest from summer through fall. When mature, the pods open to reveal bright red, lacquer-like seeds, highly decorative yet toxic due to their alkaloid content. Traditionally, Native Americans valued these seeds for ornamental and ceremonial uses.
The Texas Mountain Laurel has evergreen, feathery leaves made up of 7-13 leaflets arranged alternately along each branch. Each glossy, dark green leaflet is about 2 inches long, leathery on top, and silky-silver underneath. This tough, attractive foliage stays lush all year, making it a favorite choice for adding greenery and texture to gardens and landscapes.
Texas Mountain Laurel features smooth gray to dark brown bark when young, becoming rougher and more textured with maturity. The bark provides visual interest, particularly when illuminated by landscape lighting at night.
This plant is highly resilient, thriving in USDA zones 7a through 10b. It is cold hardy to 10°F (-12°C). However, optimal growth and flowering occur within a warmer temperature range, typically between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). Tough as nails, this desert shrub or small desert tree tolerates heat, drought, alkaline soils, and is moderately salt-tolerant, suitable for coastal and inland regions alike.
Texas Mountain Laurel is great for local wildlife, especially in regions where it’s naturally found.
This shrub demonstrates excellent drought tolerance, thriving in arid and semiarid climates with minimal irrigation once established. Additionally, its moderate salt tolerance allows it to survive in coastal gardens or areas with slightly saline soils.
Deer and rabbits sometimes nibble on leaves and new growth, which can affect young plants.
Texas Mountain Laurel is poisonous due to the alkaloid cytisine found in its bright red seeds. Ingestion of seeds can cause severe reactions, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological disturbances, and even coma. Caution is advised, particularly around children and pets. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you
Invasiveness: Texas Mountain Laurel has minimal invasive potential and does not typically pose risks to native ecosystems.
Texas Mountain Laurel prefers full sun or partial shade, thriving in rocky, well-draining soils. It tolerates alkaline conditions and drought once established, making it excellent for xeriscaping. Protect young plants from extreme heat, and provide occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Newly planted Texas Mountain Laurels require regular watering throughout their first year, especially during hot, dry weather, to establish deep roots. Maintain moisture by applying a layer of mulch around the plant’s base. Ensure proper soil drainage to prevent root rot, and avoid overwatering, which can harm young plants.
Texas Mountain Laurel is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract Genista moth larvae, scale insects, aphids, or spider mites. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. Maintain plant health through regular inspection, proper watering practices, good drainage, and prompt treatment of any infestations or infections.
Yes, Texas Mountain Laurel seeds are highly toxic due to cytisine, a harmful alkaloid similar to nicotine. Ingesting seeds can cause severe reactions, including vomiting, nausea, and neurological symptoms. To prevent poisoning, keep seeds out of reach of children and pets, and handle pods carefully during garden maintenance.
Texas Mountain Laurel has a slow growth rate, typically achieving heights of 8 to 15 feet within several years. Growth speed varies based on conditions; adequate watering, sun exposure, and well-draining soil can encourage healthier, steadier growth. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and promotes denser foliage over time.
Texas Mountain Laurel can easily be trained into an attractive small tree form by gradually pruning away lower branches and encouraging upper branches to fill out. Annual pruning after flowering helps shape the plant and enhance its natural beauty. Proper pruning improves airflow and reduces potential pest and disease issues.
Texas Mountain Laurel is prized in landscaping for its evergreen foliage, beautiful fragrant blooms, and drought tolerance. It’s an ideal choice for xeriscaping, adding color, texture, and year-round interest. The plant supports pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity and contributing positively to sustainable gardening practices.
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 | Mountain Laurel, Texas Mountain Laurel, Frijolito |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 8' - 30' (240cm - 9.1m) |
Spread | 6' - 10' (180cm - 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 | United States, Southwest, Texas, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, 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 | Mountain Laurel, Texas Mountain Laurel, Frijolito |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 8' - 30' (240cm - 9.1m) |
Spread | 6' - 10' (180cm - 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 | United States, Southwest, Texas, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
How many Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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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.
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