MOUNTAIN LAUREL - TEXAS

Photo: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Texas Mountain Laurel

OTHER COMMON NAMES: Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean, Mescal Bean Sophora, Frijolillo, Frijolito

Sophora secundiflora — (so-FORE-uh se-kune-di-FLOOR-uh)

Evergreen

Sun to part shade

Height 20' – Spread 10'

Spacing 8 - 15'

Photo: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

FAMILY: Fabaceae (pea family)

HABIT: Slow growing, dense foliage, bushy unless trimmed into tree form. Fragrant, purple, wisteria-like flowers in spring. They actually smell like grape soda.

CULTURE: Any well-drained soil. Moderate to low water and feeding requirements.

USES: Specimen ornamental tree or large shrub. Drought-tolerant gardens. Can be grown in containers.

PROBLEMS: Winter damage in the northern parts of the state.

NOTES: Great in Central Texas but needs some protection in North Texas. Native to South and Central Texas, N. Mexico.

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