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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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
In bloom: Mar–Apr · Colors: purple
Where to buy
Look for texas mountain laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) at: native Texas nurseries.
Buying nursery-propagated natives — never collected from the wild — keeps
wild populations intact. Ask any seller where their stock comes from.
Good for