Mountain Laurel

The Texas Mountain Laurel is an attractive spring-flowering small tree with glossy, evergreen leaves and beautiful purple wisteria-like blooms smelling of grape Kool-aid. Another name by which it is known is Mescal Bean.

Texas Mountain Laurel is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright form. Its blends into the landscape, but can be highlighted by planting in an area where the sun and water prevent other shrubs from thriving. This is a very low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It also attracts butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. It has no significant negative characteristics. Texas Mountain Laurel is recommended for the following landscape applications; Focal Point, Hedges/Screening, General Garden Use

Texas Mountain Laurels usually reach a height of six to twelve feet, which allows them to fit well into the scale of the smaller modern garden. They often produce multiple trunks, and over time grow into show-stopping specimens. Plant Texas Mountain Laurel in full sun or light shade. Texas Mountain Laurels are an excellent source of evergreen foliage and beautiful flowers and require little, if any, irrigation once established. They are native to the alkaline soils of the Texas Hill Country, and are often found growing among granite rocks. Young trees may be purchased at the nursery, or grown from seed. The seeds may not sprout for several years unless they are first nicked with a file to start the process of germination. An easier way is to collect unripe seed, when it is pinkish in color, in late June or early July before the seed coat has had a chance to harden. Plant them immediately, and they should sprout quickly. Texas Mountain Laurels often produce multiple trunks, and over time grow into show-stopping specimens.