Texas mountain laurel

Texas Mountain Laurels usually reach a height of six to twelve feet, and often produce multiple trunks. They are generally disease and pest-free, and tolerate a wide range of well-drained soils. They are native to the alkaline soils of the Texas Hill Country and the Trans-Pecos, and are often found growing among the granite rocks. Texas mountain laurels tolerate the summer heat well.
The compound LEAVES are about 5 inches long and are comprised of 7 to 9 ovoid leaflets. Each leaflet is 1 to 2 inches in length, dark green and glossy.

Each spring, beautiful bouquets of violet FLOWERS appear in large clusters that resemble those of the wisteria. The clusters, known as panicles, typically are 6 to 8 inches in length and contain numerous 1 inch, pea-shaped flowers. They are very fragrant. The aroma reminds one of grape Kool-Aid.

The FRUIT is a bean-like seed pods that have variable length up to around 6 inches. The woody pods are constricted between seeds with an appearance similar to that of a a peanut along the length. The seeds within the pods are bright red which makes them attractive, however, they are extremely poisonous. Fortunately, the seed coat is extremely hard. Please note this when you place the tree if you have young children or pets.