Texas Mountain Laurel
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Family: Fabaceae
Small evergreen tree (or large shrub) to 15’. Grape-like clusters of deep purple, nectar rich flowers (they smell like grape bubblegum) appear in spring and sometimes reappear again during monsoon. In some wild populations plants have downy, silvery leaves (the same species). Selections made from these population are called ‘Silver Peso’ or ‘Silver Sierra’.
Full to part sun, low water when established, hardy to 10°F. Good drainage is essential for plants in this genus.
Flowers attract various nectar-seeking insects. Larval host for genista broom moth (Uresiphita reversalis).
Plants have been known to be used in ceremonies—alkaoids present in the beans are psychoactive, though dangerous. Seeds have been used as beads—a few poisonings have been reported from this use due to people sucking on the beads.
There are 6 species native to southwestern North America from western Texas to New Mexico and Arizona in the United States, and south through Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León in northern Mexico..
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum on iNaturalist
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum on Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Dermatophyllum seems to mean “skinlike-leaf” perhaps related to the smoothness of the foliage. The species name refers to the sometimes second flush of blooms. Formerly known as Sophora arizonica.
Native to canyons, roadsides, hillsides, often in limestone areas; up to 5,000 ft. in the southwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico) and Mexico (Chihuahua and Coahuila south to Hidalgo, Puebla and Querétaro).