This flowering evergreen tree has pinnate leaves 4 to 6 inches long. Notched, mid-green leaflets grow in pairs. Pea-like, fragrant blue-violet flowers in terminal racemes appear in spring, maturing to bright red seeds.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis Texas and N. Mexico native is drought and heat tolerant. Usually a slow grower. Effective in mass plantings, as specimen plants, or in a shrub border. Needs long, hot summers to flower well.
CareGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
PropagationRoot semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer or autumn.
ProblemsTwig blight, Verticillium wilt, canker, and rust.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Sophora
- Zones : 10, 11, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 15 to 30 feet
- Plant Height : 30 feet or more
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
- Light : Full Sun
- Bloom Time : Spring
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Plant Type : Trees
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
