Texas Mountain Laurel

TEXAS MOUNTAIN LAUREL

Sophora secundifl ora
(SOF-or-uh sek-und-ee-FLOR-uh)

Mescal Bean, Colorino, Frigolito, Frigillito, Big Drunk Bean

 

Family Fabaceae
Description This harbinger of spring is a native evergreen with luxuriant foliage and intensely fragrant, deep violet flower clusters. All parts of this plant are poisonous – children, pets and the unaware need be cautioned.
Plant habit Narrow and upright, maturing into an open canopy
Typically multi-stemmed
Landscape use Plant as a specimen or in a group for visual impact
Ideal for small locations
Plant in a location where the fragrant blossoms can be enjoyed
Average mature size 20’ tall x 15’ wide
Growth rate Slow
Difficult to propagate and transplant due to its sensitive root system, thus larger specimens are relatively expensive in the nursery trade
Sun exposure Sun; may benefit from afternoon shade when young
Soil requirements Tolerates alkaline conditions
Water requirements Prefers any well-drained soil
Heat tolerance High; tolerates urban growing conditions
Foliage Evergreen
Glossy, green leaves are thick and leathery, providing dense coverage
Flowers Purple flower panicles
Very fragrant
Blooming period Spring
Fruit characteristics Long hairy seed pods; white or red seeds are poisonous
Pests and disease None serious
Other Earth-Kind® plant: tolerates infrequent watering, poor soils, and is relatively pest and disease free
May need protection from a severe winter in the Brazos Valley
Before 1000 A.D., Texas Indians brewed a ceremonial, hallucinogenic drink made from a mixture of powder ground from a seed and mescal (Agave) to communicate with the spirit world. In 1539, Cabeza de Vaca reported use of the red bean (seed) used in trading goods. At that time, a six foot necklace of beans could buy a small horse.

 

“For drought tolerance, no pests and ease of growing, our Texas Mountain Laurel is hard to
beat.”
- Paul Groom, Texas Gardening Guide.

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