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Mountain Laurel
Mescal Bean
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Extremely popular native found throughout the southern half of Texas. Naturally grows as a multi-trunked shrub or small tree with fragrant spring blooms.
Texas Mountain Laurel is a slow growing evergreen that absolutely requires adequate drainage. Being native to rocky limestone areas, roots are not as robust and wide-growing as other trees, making container transplanting a cautious process. The dark green compound leaves can have up to 9 leaflets, and cast a reasonable shade underneath that allows some under planting. Naturally grows as a multi-trunked shrub, however can be trimmed into a small tree form. Very drought tolerant once established.
Large pendulous clusters of violet-lavender blooms appear early in the spring, reaching up to 10 inches in length. The smell is notably that of grape-koolaid, and sadly they only last for two to three weeks. Legume seed pods contain bright red to orange seeds with a very resilient seed coat – it could take years for germination to naturally occur! The cotyledon (white part inside the seed) inside is highly toxic, however not easily digested if the seed coat is fresh.
Mountain Laurel does fine without regular maintenance, however appreciates spring fertilization.
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Previously known as Sophora secundiflorum |
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Specimen Tree |
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Xeriscape Tree |
Flower Color:Violet-Lavender
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Height25-30 Feet
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Spread20-25 Feet
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Interesting Notes
Orange to red seeds are thought to be extremely poisonous, but its actually the cotyledon (the white part inside the very tough shell) that's lethal.
USDA Hardiness Zone 7b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| MTN-LAU-15 |
#015 MOUNTAIN LAUREL |
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| MTN-LAU-95 |
32"B MOUNTAIN LAUREL |
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| MTN-LAU-05 |
#005 MOUNTAIN LAUREL |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Water Needs
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Toxic to Pets
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