Texas Mountain Laurel
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to Texas and New Mexico. It produces fragrant purple flower clusters from March through May, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
144"–240" H × 96"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
NM, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Texas Mountain Laurel is a stunning native shrub or small tree known for its spectacular spring display of fragrant purple flower clusters that smell like grape Kool-Aid. The silvery-green compound leaves provide year-round structure, and the plant develops an attractive sculptural form with age. It's extremely drought tolerant once established and requires minimal care.
Growing Texas Mountain Laurel
Grow Texas Mountain Laurel in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 144 to 240 inches tall and spread 96 to 144 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Texas Mountain Laurel takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The fragrant flowers attract butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and various nectar-feeding insects during spring blooms. The dense evergreen foliage also provides year-round shelter for birds.
Common questions
- When does Texas Mountain Laurel bloom?
- Texas Mountain Laurel blooms from March through May, producing clusters of fragrant purple flowers that smell like grape Kool-Aid.
- What pollinators does Dermatophyllum secundiflorum attract?
- This native shrub attracts butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and various nectar-feeding insects with its showy spring blooms.
- Where is Texas Mountain Laurel native?
- Dermatophyllum secundiflorum is native to Texas and New Mexico, where it grows naturally in rocky limestone soils and canyon areas.
- Is Texas Mountain Laurel HOA-friendly?
- Texas Mountain Laurel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Texas Mountain Laurel? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz