Fragrant Purple Flowers
Produces beautiful clusters of purple, pea-shaped flowers with a distinctive sweet fragrance during spring.
Estimated Delivery:Nov 22 - Nov 26
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Texas Laurel, commonly known as Texas Mountain Laurel or Mescal Bean, is an evergreen native shrub or small tree recognized for its glossy green foliage and fragrant clusters of purple flowers. Scientifically known as Dermatophyllum secundiflorum, it is valued for ornamental landscapes, drought-tolerant gardens, and native plantings. This slow-growing plant thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and produces distinctive red seed pods. Its seeds are highly poisonous and must be kept away from children and pets.
Produces beautiful clusters of purple, pea-shaped flowers with a distinctive sweet fragrance during spring.
Features attractive, leathery dark green compound leaves that provide year-round ornamental interest.
Develops a strong root system and adapts well to dry conditions once established.
Grows into an attractive shrub or small tree suitable for spacious gardens and native landscapes.
| Scientific Name | Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (syn. Sophora secundiflora) |
| Common Name | Texas Laurel, Texas Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean, Frijolito |
| Plant Family | Fabaceae |
| Seed Type | Ornamental Tree and Shrub Seeds |
| Growth Habit | Slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Flower Color | Purple to violet-blue |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally Zones 7–11, depending on local conditions |
| Planting Season | Spring or suitable warm growing conditions |
| Seed Starting | Scarification may be needed for mature seeds with hard seed coats |
| Germination Time | Approximately 3–5 weeks under suitable conditions; may vary |
| Germination Temperature | Warm conditions; follow supplier-specific recommendations |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Requirements | Well-drained, rocky, limestone, or alkaline soil |
| Watering | Regular watering during establishment; low water needs afterward |
| Mature Plant Size | Approximately 10–20 feet tall or more |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 8–12 feet, allowing room for mature spread |
| Blooming Season | Late Winter to Spring |
| Seed Characteristics | Hard, bright red seeds inside woody pods |
| Plant Uses | Ornamental Landscapes, Specimen Plantings, and Native Gardens |
| Safety | Seeds are highly poisonous. Keep away from children and pets. |
Texas Laurel adds year-round greenery and fragrant purple spring flowers to ornamental landscapes. Its evergreen foliage, distinctive appearance, and drought tolerance make it a valued native landscape plant. Provide well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, and room for its slow-growing root system to develop.
Find helpful information about Texas Laurel seed germination, flowering, and plant care.
Texas Mountain Laurel seeds have extremely hard seed coats that can delay germination. Mature seeds may benefit from careful scarification to help water penetrate the seed coat. Some growers also use a warm-water soak before planting. Sow seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil and maintain suitable moisture. Avoid excessive scarification, which can damage the seed embryo.
Texas Mountain Laurel is a naturally slow-growing evergreen tree. Seeds may germinate in approximately 3–5 weeks under suitable conditions, although germination varies. Seedlings initially develop deep roots, and plants can take many years to produce their first flowers. Established plants eventually develop fragrant purple flower clusters during late winter and spring.
Yes. Texas Mountain Laurel seeds contain toxic quinolizidine alkaloids and are highly poisonous if chewed or ingested. The bright red seeds should never be eaten or used as food. Keep seeds, pods, and collected planting material securely away from children, pets, and livestock. Wear appropriate protection when handling seed pods and never use the seeds for edible gardening purposes.