– Local native evergreen tree
from Central Texas to Mexico
– Lavender clusters of super
fragrant flowers in spring!
– Feed monthly for faster growth
– Excellent choice for privacy!
Obviously, we love Texas Mountain Laurel for its evergreen foliage, tough physiology, and abundant clusters of purple flowers redolent of grape soda in spring. But this plant also enjoys a rich cultural history prior to colonization, both in Texas and among indigenous groups outside of the Mountain Laurel’s native range. The beautiful red beans have been found in archaological sites dating back to the 8000s BCE. By the time we have records after colonization, we know that many tribes used the beautiful little red beans for jewelry, decoration, beadwork, and in ritual ceremonies tied to intoxication and visions. Today, your children may use the little red beans to play the hot beans game, rubbing the beans on the sidewalk to activate its many toxic compounds and then sticking them on their friends’ arms to burn them. Ah, childhood.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Height: 12′-25′
Width: 6′-12′
Hardiness Zone: 8
