Texas Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean (Sophora secundiflora)

Texas Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean
Scientific Name: Sophora secundiflora (Gomez-Ortega) Lagerh. ex DC.
Family: Fabaceae

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Sophora secundiflora, Picture U.S.D.A Forest Service, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 8-16, 18-24, 27-30
USDA: 7-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F (-17°C)
Heat Tolerance: Excellent
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade, will tolerate reflected heat.
Origin: Southwestern USA (New Mexico, Texas)
Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub or small tree, slowly growing to 15 feet tall (4.5 m), 10 feet wide (3 m)
Watering Needs: Moderate water, soak the root ball every two weeks, in summer, for established trees.
Propagation: Seeds, scarify the seed and let it soak before planting.

Texas Mountain Laurel are interesting lookin border shrubs, and are also handsome specimen or patio trees. The major drawback being the relatively slow growth.
Seeds are poisonous

Texas Mountain Laurel, Mescal Bean (Sophora secundiflora)

Blooming Habits:
The wisteria-like violet flowers are grape-bubblegum scented. They come in late winter, early spring (around early April in Phoenix). They are followed by orange seeds in hard pods.

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