Texas Mountain Laurel

A vital larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies including Henry's Elfin (Solatus ssp.), Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) is a evergreen Texas tree native across the Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, and Southern Texas Plains. It features distinctive green foliage. During Spring, the plant produces delightfully fragrant, purple blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental seedpods gray with a felt-like surface texture, aging to dark brown. seeds glossy red, 2-12 cm that add seasonal interest. It plays a key ecological role as a larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies, including Henry's Elfin (Solatus ssp.). Blooms attract insect pollinators. Best suited to calcareous, caliche, clay, dry, limestone, rocky, sand, and well drained, Texas Mountain Laurel adapts seamlessly to local soil conditions. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease. It offers high deer resistance.