Does Texas mountain laurel lose leaves?
Texas mountain laurel is evergreen, drought resistant and virtually pest free. These small trees do so well in hot climates that the devil himself could grow them on his patio, but dropping leaves are a sign that the tree is in distress.
Are Texas mountain laurel poisonous?
One of the sources that we go to when asked about toxic plants is Toxic Plants of Texas, and it confirms the toxicity of Texas Mountain Laurel. The toxic agent is cytisine, a quinolizidine alkaloid, which is found in the leaves and the seeds. Cytisine is also toxic to humans, and children are attracted to the red seed.
Is a Texas mountain laurel an evergreen?
Mescal bean or Texas mountain laurel is an evergreen, usually multi-trunked shrub or small tree ranging from just a few feet tall to more than 30 ft. in height, though its usual height at maturity is 10-15 ft. The fragrance of Texas mountain laurel flowers is reminiscent of artificial grape products.
Why is my Laurel losing its leaves?
Leaf loss is a stress response to conserve water. If the new plants are kept well-watered and have been planted in suitably prepared soil they should re leaf later on – during late Spring or early Summer once the roots have become established.
What plant looks like a mountain laurel?
Rhododendron
Differentiating Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron Mountain laurel and rhododendron have a similar appearance, which can make identification difficult. Both plants have green and elliptical-shaped leaves.
Do all mountain laurels bloom?
The mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub that most often blooms in May and June, although it can start blooming from mid to late spring. The uniquely shaped flowers can range from white to various rose pink shades, filling the branches with beautiful blooms.
What kind of flowers do Texas mountain laurels have?
The Texas Mountain Laurel is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with dark, shiny leaves and large drooping clusters of purple flowers that smell oddly like grape bubblegum. The flowers give way to large seed pods filled with bright red seeds.
Why are the leaves falling off my mountain laurel tree?
These small trees do so well in hot climates that the devil himself could grow them on his patio, but dropping leaves are a sign that the tree is in distress. If your Texas mountain laurel was recently transplanted, it may be suffering from transplant shock.
Is the Texas mountain laurel poisonous to humans?
Despite its uses in Native American culture, the leaves and seed of the Texas Mountain Laurel are highly toxic to both humans and animals. Ingestion of the seed can cause muscle paralysis, severe headaches, upset stomach, and excessive drowsiness.
What are the Worms on my Texas mountain laurel?
Sophora Caterpillars. If the leaves dropping from the Texas mountain laurel look as if something’s been eating them, the problem may be Sophora worms, a caterpillar stage of the Genista broom moth (Uresiphita reversalis).