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Shrub · Deer-resistant
Texas Mountain Laurel
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Also called: Mescal Bean, Frijolito
A slow-growing evergreen with glossy leaves and drooping clusters of purple flowers that smell exactly like grape soda each spring. Bulletproof once established.
Growing & care
Needs excellent drainage and alkaline soil; hates wet feet. Very slow — buy the biggest you can afford. The seeds are toxic, so site away from young children.
Bloom season
In bloom: Mar–Apr · Colors: purple
Where to buy
Look for texas mountain laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) at: native Texas nurseries.
Sources
Range, nomenclature, and the USDA symbol above come from the federal plant record for this species. Check it yourself:
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (DESE7) in the USDA PLANTS Database →
Good for
Plant it with
Natives that pair with texas mountain laurel
Same conditions, same uses — species that share texas mountain laurel's growing requirements and belong in the same bed.
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