Botanical Scout plant profile

Texas Mountain Laurel

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (syn. Sophora secundiflora)

Evergreen structure through the year, followed by fragrant violet-blue flowers in spring on a durable, long-lived Texas native.

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See what your seedlings can become

Mature plant shown for reference. Seedlings are what you receive.

Violet Texas Mountain Laurel flowers among thick evergreen leaves — Mature plant — growth reference

Three young Texas Mountain Laurel seedlings growing together in a green nursery pot beside a measuring tape — Seedlings — plants you receive

Plant fit at a glance

Mature height & width: Usually 10–15 ft tall and about 10 ft wide; older plants can grow larger
Foliage: Evergreen
Winter cold: Approximately 10°F for established plants; protect young plants during severe freezes

Dimensions and cold guidance describe established plants, not a guarantee for seedlings. Protect young plants; soil, drainage, exposure, and freeze duration matter.

Growing reference

Open the growing guide

Before you choose

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Mature form: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Growing conditions: Full sun to light shade · Limestone and alkaline soils · Heat · Low water once established

Choose a permanent site with excellent drainage and room for its enduring evergreen form.

Acclimation, establishment watering, and arrival care are explained once in the Botanical Scout growing guide →

The personal story

Why I keep growing Texas Mountain Laurel

Its spring flowers announce themselves twice—first with color, then with a fragrance often compared to grape candy. Later, brilliant red seeds add another striking ornamental feature.

Texas Mountain Laurel is an evergreen legume, rather than a true laurel, native to rocky limestone country in Texas and northern Mexico. Its violet spring flowers have a fragrance often compared to grape candy.

My mother grew Mountain Laurels in Dallas, but they never became as large and full as the ones I see around Austin. I suspect soil and drainage contributed. It is a personal observation rather than a controlled experiment, and a reminder to pay attention to the ground beneath the plant.

Texas Mountain Laurel

See what your seedlings can become

Plant fit at a glance

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Why I keep growing Texas Mountain Laurel

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