Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

Texas Mountain Laurel, Sophora secundiflora

Texas Mountain Laurel, Sophora secundiflora. March 2, 2006. Arrowhead Ranch.

Texas Mountain Laurel Sophora secundiflora	Bumble Bee Visiting Flowers Sophora secundiflora
Mescal Bean Raceme	Texas Mountain Laurel Raceme
Texas Mountain Laurel Flowers	Texas Mountain Laurel Pinnately Compound Leaf
Mescal Bean, Seed Pods Sophora secundiflora	Texas Mountain Laurel, Seed Pods Sophora secundiflora

Texas Mountain Laurel Sophora secundiflora, Papilionaceae Family: ( Papilionaceae ) , Texas Mountain Laurel. Also called: Mescal Bean. The Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) is an evergreen spring-flowering shrub or small tree with glossy, evergreen leaves and beautiful purple wisteria - like blossoms smelling like grape Kool-aid. It is also known as Mescal Bean. Texas Mountain Laurels usually reach a height of six to twelve feet, which allows them to fit well into a small garden. They often produce multiple trunks, and over time grow into show-stopping specimens. Look carefully at the top photo and you can see the multiple trunk. Texas Mountain Laurels are generally disease and pest-free. They tolerate Arizona alkaline well-drained soils. Plant Texas Mountain Laurel in full sun or light shade. They can withstand West reflected sun. Texas Mountain Laurels are not easily transplanted and should be handled carefully to avoid disturbing the root ball. once established, they thrive in the dry soil of Phoenix. The Papilionaceae Family is made up of dicotyledonous plants characterized by their "butterfly-shaped" flowers, composed of a top petal, the "standard", followed by two opposing petals on the sides, the "wings", followed by a bottom petal, the "keel", in which the reproductive organs are situated. Their fruits are pods The name comes from the Latin word, papilio (butterfly), after the shape of this family's flowers; it used to be in the Fabaceae, or pea and bean family. Height: 15 - 25 feet tall, spread 5 to 15 feet. Flowers: On a pendulous raceme up to 8 inches long. 1 - 2 inch long purple, "butterfly-shaped" flowers, composed of a top petal, followed by two opposing petals on the sides. Blooming Time: Late February - March. Leaves: Leaves are pinnately compound; 4 - 6 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide, its leaflets are about 1 - 2 inches long; very glossy green on top but lighter underneath. Seeds: Seeds contain a poison. There are about 5 orange to red seeds contained within a light brown or tan seed pod. Found: Native of Texas and Northern Mexico. Elevation: 1,000 to 2,500 Feet. Habitat: Desert alkaline soil. Good Xeriscape landscaping plant. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken February 22, 2006. Glendale. Water slightly in Phoenix. Honey bees and bumble bees are attracted to this plant.