Texas Mountain Laurel | Dermatophyllum secundiflorum

Scientific Name

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (syn. Sophora secundiflora)

Common Name

Texas Mountain Laurel, Texas Mescalbean 

Photo of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum.
Tree Description

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (syn. Sophora secundiflora), Texas mountain laurel, is a small, often multi-stemmed evergreen tree, large shrub. It bears dramatice clusters of pungent lavender flowers and fruit pods with poisonous seeds. The tree has a high heat tolerance and is quite slow growing.

Tree Size
Small
Height at Maturity
10ft–20ft
Width at Maturity
5ft-10ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Sun Exposure
Sun
Part-Shade
Water Needs
Low Water
Potential Issues
  • Pest: Genista moth larvae.
  • May develop chlorosis in response to overwatering or poorly drained soils.
Average performance rating from pre-trial survey of experts
Excellent
Field Trial Monitoring Results

Fair potential utility as an urban tree based on evaluation of 13 trees, healthy crown, 69% survival, very slow growth rate. No signs of pests or diseases found. Slow growing in the nursery, plants susceptible to transplant shock in the nursery and landscapes.

Propagation Results

We got the best germination with 24 hour hot water soak then a light scarification with file. We also got good germination with no soak, only scarifying with knife. Too heavy of scarification led to zero germination. Seedlings are very slow growing.

Additional Images
Photo of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum.
Photo of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum.

Illustration (top): Robert O'Brien courtesy of SelecTree
Photo (bottom): C. Stubler, M. Ritter, W. Mark and J. Reimer, courtesy of SelecTree