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Texas mountain laurel

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum

The Texas mountain laurel is a beautiful shrub with lovely purple flowers that smell like grape candy! It grows in warm places and is a favorite for butterflies and bees.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Texas mountain laurel is a small, evergreen tree or large shrub with dark green, leathery leaves. It produces showy, pendulous clusters of fragrant, deep purple-blue flowers that resemble wisteria in early spring.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusDermatophyllum
Texas mountain laurel
shrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badgedye trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Texas mountain laurel

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient Native Americans used its hard, red seeds as beads, despite their toxicity.

Its fragrant purple flowers smell exactly like grape soda or grape bubblegum!

The wood of the Texas mountain laurel is incredibly dense and hard, sinking in water.

Though called a 'laurel,' it's a pea family plant, unrelated to true laurels.

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Defender

Texas mountain laurel has a deep taproot that helps it reach water deep underground to survive long dry spells.

Ability

Evergreen Energy

Its tough, evergreen leaves allow it to photosynthesize year-round, even in winter, maintaining energy production.

Ability

Chemical Shield

Texas mountain laurel can produce toxic compounds in its seeds and leaves that help protect it from hungry animals.

Measurements & details

Height
300-600 cm
Spread
200-400 cm
Flower Size
1.5-3 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to early spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its flowers.

pollinates

American bumblebee

Bombus pensylvanicus

An important native pollinator for its spring blooms.

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer browse the leaves only when other food is scarce.

shelters

Blue-gray gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

Uses its dense branches for nesting and protection.

Traits

Also known as

Desert lilac

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not eat any part of the plant, as some parts can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Texas mountain laurel?

300-600 cm

How wide does Texas mountain laurel spread?

200-400 cm

How big are the flowers on Texas mountain laurel?

1.5-3 cm

When does Texas mountain laurel bloom?

Late winter to early spring

Is Texas mountain laurel edible?

No

Is Texas mountain laurel toxic?

High

What is Texas mountain laurel's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Texas mountain laurel pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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