Texas Mountain Laurel
Sophora secundiflora
AKA: Mescal Bean
Size: 10-15' tall
Lighting requirements: Full to part sun
Seasonal interest: Drooping clusters of purple flowers in early spring
Winter: Evergreen
These Texas Native Trees are sought after for their abundant, grape kool-aid-smelling flowers. Texas Mountain Laurel is a drought-tolerant tree that actually likes rocky limestone soils. The bright red seeds are poisonous so if you don't want to see the Kool-Aid Man running around your yard, please do not ingest them! Seriously, they are toxic, do not eat them. Texas Mountain Laurel is a very slow grower which can make them pretty pricey. They are worth it though!Â