Texas Mountain Laurel
(Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)
Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)
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Kretyen at Flickr
CC BY 2.0
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Kretyen at Flickr
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kretyen at Flickr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum, commonly known as Texas Mountain Laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the limestone hills, rocky slopes, and scrublands of Texas and the southwestern United States, as well as the desert regions of northern Mexico. It typically grows slowly to a height of 15 feet (4.6 meters) and a crown diameter of 10 feet (3.0 meters), with a compact, dense form that can be sculptural in appearance. The bark is smooth and light gray, becoming slightly furrowed with age. In March and April, it produces extremely fragrant, dense clusters of purple flowers that are reminiscent of grape soda, which are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers give way to 4-inch (10 cm) long seed pods that contain bright red-orange seeds, which are also ornamental.
Texas Mountain Laurel is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and the striking contrast between its lush evergreen foliage, vibrant purple flowers, and colorful seeds. It is commonly used in xeriscaping, as a specimen plant, or in native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, particularly those that are alkaline. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to caterpillars, including the Genista broom moth, which can defoliate plants. It is important to note that all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are highly toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Texas Mountain Laurel is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and the striking contrast between its lush evergreen foliage, vibrant purple flowers, and colorful seeds. It is commonly used in xeriscaping, as a specimen plant, or in native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, particularly those that are alkaline. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to caterpillars, including the Genista broom moth, which can defoliate plants. It is important to note that all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are highly toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 15-20 feet
- Width: 10-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Limestone hills, rocky slopes, and scrublands of Texas, the southwestern United States, and northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Mescal Bean, Mescalbean, Frijolito, Frijolillo
Scientific Names: , Sophora secundiflora, Calia secundiflora, Dermatophyllum secundiflorum, Sophora speciosa, Sophora secundiflora f. xanthosperma, Sophora secuniflora, Virgilia secundiflora, Calia erythrosperma, Agastianis secundiflora
GBIF Accepted Name: Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (Ortega) Gandhi & Reveal