Texas sophora is a large deciduous multi-trunked flowering shrub or small tree in the Fabaceae (bean) family native to the south central U.S.A. Typically found in locations containing limestone soil. In its native setting of along creeks, roadsides, pastures, plains, meadows and woodlands, it can be seen growing vine-like and spindly. The black fruit pods that appear mid-summer through fall resemble a string of beads, hence the common name necklace tree. Plant it in the full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil and this plant will grow 15 to 35 feet high, though most are much shorter, and 10 to 20 feet wide with an upright oval crown Trees located in full sun tend to be shorter in height than those that receive shade and flowering will be more abundant when planted in full sun. This plant is very heat and drought tolerant. The leaves are dark green and leathery. Rose-pink pleasantly fragrant flowers form in clusters in the spring resembling wisteria. Showy black pods that appear in the fall and remain on the tree provide winter interest. The branches are low on the trunk so trees planted where vehicle or pedestrian access is needed will have to be pruned. This small tree is commonly used as an understory tree, as a specimen or the back of a border. It can also be grown as a container plant in cooler locations and relocated indoors during colder months. Repot when growth has reduced, indicating that the container has become too small for the roots to property spread. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. Soils must drain well or leaves will become chlorotic. The seeds and flowers are poisonous to humans.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Container; Lawn; Meadow; Naturalized Area; Patio; Small Space; Walkways
Landscape theme
Drought Tolerant Garden; Pollinator Garden
Design feature
Accent; Barrier; Border; Flowering Tree; Small Tree; Specimen; Street Tree; Understory Tree
Garden tags
#deciduous tree #small tree #deciduous #understory tree #showy flowers #flowers early spring #pink flowers #large shrub #fragrant flowers #flowers mid-spring #vine #heat tolerant #drought tolerant #poisonous if ingested #bird friendly #deer resistant #bee friendly #border back #fruits winter #deciduous shrub #black fruits #specimen #fruits fall #poisonous #glossy leaves #winter interest #short lived
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Poisonous to Humans
Resistant to
Deer; Drought; Heat
Propagation
Seed
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Seeds
Poison symptoms
The seeds of this plant, are mildly poisonous if eaten. The poisonous elements of this plant resemble nicotine in its actions and toxicity. If seeds are ingested, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excitement, delirium, and coma.