Sophora secundiflora Common names include Texas Mountain Laurel, Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean, Mescal Bean Sophora, Frijolillo, Frijolito Texas Mountain Laurel is a charming shrub or small tree that can grow anywhere from just a few feet up to over 30 feet tall. Its lush, dark green leaves are glossy and feature 7-9 leathery leaflets that are rounded at the tips and can reach up to 2 inches long, tapering gently toward the base. The stunning bluish lavender flowers are not only showy but also carry a delightful fragrance, blooming in lovely clusters of 3-7 that tend to droop gracefully. The fruit of this plant is a semi-woody pod, housing bright red seeds that are beautiful, but toxic if ingested. This plant is quite popular as a native evergreen ornamental tree within its range, cherished for its striking, dark green foliage and vibrant blooms that bring joy in early spring. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in rocky limestone soil. Texas Mountain Laurel is a woody plant that adapts to its rocky environment, growing at a steady pace. The fragrance of the flowers is pleasant, although it can be quite strong, wafting through the air for quite a distance from the plant. The fragrance of Texas mountain laurel blooms is often likened to the sweet aromas of grape-flavored products like Kool-Aid, grape bubble gum, and soft drinks. The Mescal Beans or seeds of the Texas Mountain Laurel are a brilliant lacquer red and contain the highly toxic alkaloid cytisine (or sophorine), which is similar to nicotine. Indigenous Peoples have historically treasured these striking seeds for ornamentation and ceremonial purposes. Nectar Source: Bees, Butterflies, Insects Height: 15’-25’Spread 8’-10’Bloom: February-April Light: Full Sun-Dappled ShadeWater: Low-MediumZone: 7-10Origin: Texas, Southwestern U.S., Northern Mexico Also scientifically known as Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
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