Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

Also known as: Frijolito, Texas mescalbean

Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora) is a native evergreen shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet, though it can grow up to 30 feet. It features clusters of fragrant, purple-blue flowers that bloom in early spring and emit a scent reminiscent of grape soda. The plant produces fuzzy, gray seed pods that contain bright red seeds, which are highly toxic if ingested.

### Distinctive Features:
1. **Flowers**: Showy, purple-blue flower clusters with a grape-like fragrance.
2. **Leaves**: Glossy, dark green, pinnately compound leaves.
3. **Seeds**: Bright red, toxic seeds inside fuzzy pods.
4. **Size**: Generally grows between 10-15 feet, can reach up to 30 feet.
5. **Bark**: Smooth, grayish bark that becomes flaky with age.

### Growing Requirements:
1. **Sunlight**: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
2. **Soil**: Prefers well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils; drought-resistant once established.
3. **Water**: Requires minimal watering; overwatering should be avoided.
4. **Temperature**: Suitable for USDA zones 7-10; withstands high heat and some frost.
5. **Maintenance**: Low maintenance; prune to shape and remove dead wood as needed.

This hardy plant is excellent for xeriscaping and provides ornamental appeal with its stunning flowers and evergreen foliage.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Texas mountain laurel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

4.5 m to 6 m

Spread

3 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Purple Blue Lavender

Images of Texas mountain laurel

Quickly Identify Texas mountain laurel

Pea-like violet-blue flowers in drooping clusters.

Distinct woody pods with bright red toxic seeds.

Pinnately divided leaves with shiny, leathery leaflets.

Average height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters).

Forms dense thickets in well-drained limestone soils.

Scientific Classification of Texas mountain laurel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Necklacepods

Species

Texas mountain laurel

Planting and Growing of Texas mountain laurel

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Texas mountain laurel?

The Texas Mountain Laurel, known as Sophora secundiflora, thrives with a delicate balance of moisture. When watering, ensure that you provide approximately 500 milliliters of water per session. It's crucial to soak the soil thoroughly without allowing any water to pool. The key is to drench the root zone entirely and then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This approach mimics its natural environment, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Texas mountain laurel? ›

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Texas mountain laurel? ›

How to save an overwatered Texas mountain laurel? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Texas mountain laurel?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Sophora secundiflora thrives in full to partial sun, benefiting from 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. This encourages vigorous growth, rich green foliage, and abundant flowering, crucial for its ornamental appeal.

How much sunlight does Sophora secundiflora need? ›

What are the solutions to achieve ideal lighting? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide to the plant? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Texas mountain laurel?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 80℉

Sophora secundiflora thrives best within a temperature range of 60°F to 80°F. These conditions mimic the plant's native environment, promoting optimal growth and flowering. Temperatures within this range support the plant's physiological processes, ensuring robust health and a vibrant appearance.

What Soil is Best for Texas mountain laurel?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Sophora secundiflora thrives in well-drained soil which prevents waterlogging. This helps to maintain root health and prevent fungal infections, allowing the plant to grow robustly. The plant requires soil with moderate nutrient levels, which supports balanced growth. Neither nutrient-poor nor overly rich conditions are ideal, ensuring the plant receives the best nutrients without the risk of leaf burn or poor flowering. Sophora secundiflora prefers slightly warmer soil conditions, which enhances its growth and flowering seasons. Warm soil facilitates faster root development and overall vigor.

How to Fertilize Texas mountain laurel?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Sophora secundiflora, proper fertilization involves applying a balanced fertilizer at rates according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, use about 1 tablespoon per gallon for liquid fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization.

How to Prune Texas mountain laurel?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Always use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers to make precise cuts. Dull tools can damage branches, leaving them vulnerable to disease and pest infestation. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These can be identified by their brittle texture and lack of flexibility compared to healthy wood. Trim to maintain the desired shape and height. This encourages vigorous growth and helps to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing. Look for branches that cross or rub against each other. Removing these can prevent bark damage and reduce the risk of fungal infections. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Texas mountain laurel plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect seeds from a mature Sophora secundiflora pod when the seed coat turns brown and hard. Ensure they are free from disease and pests by inspecting for discoloration or holes.

Scarify or nick the hard seed coat with a file or sandpaper to facilitate water absorption. This step mimics natural processes that weaken seed coats and is crucial for species with a tough outer shell.

Select healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings approximately 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half, leaving a few at the apex to support photosynthesis while rooting.

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How to Repot Texas mountain laurel plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signs such as roots growing through the drainage holes, soil that dries out quickly, or stunted growth as indicators that Sophora secundiflora needs repotting. Ideally, repot when the plant is inactive in growth, typically during early spring.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. A slightly larger pot prevents waterlogging, promotes healthy root growth, and provides enough space for the plant to grow.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix. This choice ensures that excess water drains effectively, preventing root rot, and supports the plant’s preference for a slightly dry growing environment.

Toxicity of Texas mountain laurel

Is Texas mountain laurel toxic to humans?

Texas mountain laurel is classified as a toxic plant, albeit with a relatively low level of severity regarding its adverse effects. Every part of this plant harbors the poisonous alkaloid cytosine, and the seeds pose a particular danger. The presence of cytosine can provoke reactions similar to those of nicotine, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, it can cause excessive excitement, delirium, and in extreme cases, may induce a comatose condition. Notably, Texas mountain laurel has not been documented to cause skin irritation from direct contact nor does it trigger airborne allergies.

Is Texas mountain laurel toxic to cat?

Texas mountain laurel presents a mild toxic risk to cats. Although every part of the plant is considered toxic, it generally requires substantial quantities to induce poisoning. Cats that consume large amounts of texas mountain laurel may show signs of physical distress or illness, making it essential to seek immediate veterinary assistance. If ingestion occurs, prompt treatment at a veterinary clinic is vital to guarantee the safety and health of the affected cat.

Is Texas mountain laurel toxic to dog?

Texas mountain laurel presents a mild toxicity hazard for dogs. Canines can experience poisoning from this plant if it is consumed in significant quantities. Every part of the Texas mountain laurel, including the leaves, seeds, and flowers, contains toxic substances, meaning ingestion of any portion could potentially result in poisoning. Signs of toxicity may involve gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, with more serious symptoms emerging based on how much was ingested. It is essential for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and restrict access to Texas mountain laurel. In cases where a dog is believed to have consumed any part of this plant, seeking prompt veterinary attention is critical to secure the most favorable outcome.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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