Texas mountain laurel

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum

Family: FabaceaeZones: 7a-10b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

seeds

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

alkaloids (cytisine, sophorine)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page. The seeds contain cytisine, a nicotine-like alkaloid (NC State); treat pets as at risk. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Dermatophyllum secundiflorum, not on the common name.. Not a mountain laurel: Texas mountain laurel is a legume, but "mountain laurel" in the eastern US is Kalmia latifolia, a different shrub that ASPCA lists as toxic. "Mescal bean" has nothing to do with the agave used for mezcal (NC State). Check the botanical name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 7a-10b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full or part sun; will not grow in shade (NC State).
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State: drought-tolerant, prefers rocky limestone soil, drainage good, moist or occasionally dry. Always finger-test two inches down.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon