Texas Mountain Laurel is perhaps the most handsome of the trees offered for water-efficient landscaping.
As the common name might suggest, this plant is native to the arid trans-Pecos region of central and south Texas and into New Mexico and northern Mexico. It also grows well in lower elevations of Arizona. It is commonly found in limestone soils of hillsides and gulches from near sea level to elevations of 5,000 feet and has the designation of USDA Zone 8.
Texas Mountain Laurel is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can be grown as a large multi-stemmed shrub or a single trunk tree. The compound pinnate leaves are about 5 inches in length and are comprised of 7 to 9 oval leaflets that have a shiny upper surface that provides beauty year-round.
The most intriguing characteristic of the Texas Mountain Laurel is its flowers. Each spring, beautiful clusters of violet flowers appear that resemble those of wisteria. The clusters, known as panicles, typically are 6 to 7 inches in length and contain numerous one-inch purple-blue, pea-shaped flowers. They are very fragrant. The aroma is similar to grape bubble gum or grape popsicles. Really!
The flowering cycle is followed by the emergence of silvery bean-like seedpods that have a soft green velvety coating and dry to a tan color over time. The pods contain 1-5 seeds that are orange to red and are very hard. Both seeds and flowers are quite poisonous and contain narcotic properties. This plant does have a history of being consumed as a ceremonial hallucinogen by some Native American people who eventually supplanted its use with peyote.
Texas Mountain Laurel is fairly low maintenance once established. However, it is slow growing and takes some years to reach a mature size. The flower buds form in August for the following spring, so any pruning should be done before the buds show. This shrub grows well in full sun, although it will tolerate a partly shady spot and grows in a wide range of soils, preferably well-drained soils. The only pest this shrub attracts is the Genista moth larvae, which can decimate the foliage in a few days. Be
Texas Mountain Laurel is a drought-tolerant plant that is good in xeriscape gardens. It does not propagate well from cuttings due, in part, to its slow growth rate. The best way to have this plant in your yard is to buy from a trusted nursery or other supplier.
By Marianne Newton. Marianne is a master gardener and member of the Robert J. Moody Demonstration Club.
