Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - March 25, 2011
From: Humble, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Need advice for growing Texas Mountain Laurel from seed in Humble, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
We live in Humble, Texas 77396 and would like to grow some Texas Mountain Laurel trees from seed. I recently read that they may not grow well in this area because they prefer the Texas Hill country and rocky soils. Do you think they would grow well here if we added a lot of crushed rock to the planting medium? Please advise. And thanks for all you do! We recently visited your Center and I will never look at a wildflower in the same way again!!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants is glad that you enjoyed your visit to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Please come again soon.
Growing Texas Mountain Laurel Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) from seed is an interesting project that can be frustrating or rewarding, or both. My first caveat is that the seeds are toxic, so if you have children involved, use caution to make sure that none of the seeds are ingested!
I'm providing several links with information that should help make this project a success. The first is the NPIN Database Page for Sophora secundiflora (click link above). Under growing conditions, you see that the plant prefers, among other things, full sun and well drained alkaline soils with a pH<7.2. The paragraph on Plant Propagation describes procedures for scarifying the seed and conditions for planting.
Here are some other links with a brief description of contents:
Plantanswers.com good description of plant, and germination procedures
Bob Harms, UT Austin good discussion on germination
Paul's Blog good general information, use of limestone gravel to raise pH
Texas Gardener (scroll down to Mountain Laurel) talks about growing the plant in East Texas
Aridzonetrees.com good general information
In summary, if you give the plants full sun, provide them with well drained alkaline soil, and don't over water them, they should grow in Harris County. The hardest part may be getting the seeds to germinate.
More Propagation Questions
Tx Mt. Laurel and Mex. Buckeye seed propagation in drought
July 01, 2011 - I live in the Hill Country near New Braunfels. Since I am only at my house in July and August, I would like to plant both Texas Mountain Laurel and Mexican Buckeye from the seeds harvested from mothe...
view the full question and answer
200 year old white oak with no acorns in Oregon City OR
April 26, 2010 - We have a white oak tree in our yard that is about 200 yrs old. We have lived in the house for 30+ years, and have never seen an acorn.
We have had it pruned by an arborist, who said it is in good...
view the full question and answer
Identifying gender of persimmon trees
October 23, 2006 - How can you tell the difference between a male persimmon tree and a female persimmon tree? Also do you need both to bear the fruit? I live in Louisiana and never heard of this before. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Native turkscap failing to thrive in Shiro TX
March 19, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Two years ago I transplanted several native (not cultivars) Drummond's turkscaps in the proximity of water oaks in the front yard. All get shade and some sun. They seemed to ...
view the full question and answer
Seedlings from established plants in Parma Hts., OH
August 02, 2010 - I have 20 yr old shrubs and hedges along my back yard. I don't know their variety. How do I keep the seedlings from encroaching in my lawn? The seedlings have sprouted 3 feet into the lawn.
Any ide...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
