Mescal Bean, Texas Mountain Laurel

Sophora secundiflora

Physical Characteristics

Sophora secundiflora is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Texas, New Mexico and Northern Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Hallucinogenic Narcotic Hallucinogenic, narcotic[82, 161, 192]. An infusion of the seeds is used[192, 200], half a seed is enough to produce intoxication[192]. An infusion of the ground up seed has also been applied to ears in the treatment of earaches[213, 257]. The seeds contain the highly poisonous alkaloid cytisine - this substance is related to nicotine and acts violently in the human system[213].

Known Hazards

The plant, and especially the seeds, contains the poisonous alkaloid cytisine, which resembles nicotine in its action and is similarly toxic[238].