Texas Mountain Laurel

 In
Texas Mountain Laurel

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Mescal Bean, Mountain Laurel, Frijolito, Frijolillo
Texas south to central Mexico
6

20 feet
4

12 feet
  • Toxic
  • Central Texas
  • Texas
  • Full Sun
  • Part Sun/Shade
  • Very Low
  • Deer Resistant
  • Evergreen
  • Flowering
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Hummingbirds

About This Plant

Sun or shade; evergreen, with grape-scented flower clusters in March and April. The flowers resemble wisteria and bloom early in spring. Texas Mountain Laurel is found in the wild on well-drained Hill Country limestone; like many native evergreens it is slow-growing. However, it’s a popular landscape plant that also gets used in Blackland clays and occasionally on the sandy coastal plain.

Local Native Americans considered the bead-like red beans so valuable they traded them over long distances into Mexico. They’re too hard (and poisonous) to eat, but children rub them on playground concrete until painfully hot, for a South Texas version of tag.

Maintenance

Generally none required once established; there is no need to overwater this drought-hardy tree. The beans create some litter late in the year.

Features

Plant Type:
Small Tree
Size:
6-20' H, 4-12' W
Sunlight Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Types:
Clay, Thin
Wildlife:
Bees, Butterflies, Butterfly Larvae, Hummingbirds, Pollinators
Flower Color:
Lavender, Purple
Bloom Time:
February, March, April
Freeze Hardy:
Yes
Invasive:
No
Caution:
Poisonous beans.
Coupon Eligible:

This plant goes well with

Recent Posts

Start typing and press Enter to search

Mexican sabal palm leaves.