Sophora tomentosa (Necklace Pod)

Sophora tomentosa (Necklace Pod) is an erect, often leggy or sprawling, evergreen shrub noted for its showy flowers and interesting foliage. Blooming all year except in cold or drought periods, it produces irregular, pea-like, bright yellow flowers in showy 6-15 in. long spikes (15-37 cm). They are followed by a crop of brown beaded pods, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), that hang on the shrub for many months. The plant has many arching irregular branches which are densely foliated. The silvery-green compound foliage is composed of up to 21 oval leaflets, 2 in. long (5 cm). Necklace Pod provides food and shelter for wildlife and the flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and warblers. Native to Florida and Texas, Necklace Pod is found growing in maritime hammocks, beach dunes, coastal strands, inland borders of marine tidal swamps, and marine tidal marshes. A moderately fast grower, this shrub is hardy to about 20ºFahrenheit (-6ºC) and mildly tolerant of frost. Long-lived, easy to grow, Necklace Pod can be used as a background or specimen shrub for beach sites or other dry and salty areas.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 8-12 ft. wide (240-360 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in neutral to slightly alkaline, sandy, well-drained soils. Very tolerant of salt spray, drought, and wind. Necklace Pod can grow in nutrient-poor soil, but some organic content will help it to thrive.
• Once established, little care is required other than occasional pruning.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for caterpillars and mealybugs.
• Propagate by seed or cuttings. No stratification is necessary for seeds to germinate
• The seeds are toxic if eaten.
• Native to southern Florida and South Texas.