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.