Texas Mountain Laurel or Mescal Bean Andrea Meckley, Certified Horticulturist [email protected]    Description:  flowering large shrub or small tree Mature size: 15-20 feet tall x 8-10 feet wide Water use:  low to medium Exposure:  all day sun to half day sun Origin: Texas, New Mexico, northern Mexico Caution: red seeds are poisonous Flower:  purple sweet scented blooms early spring Hardy:  0 degrees F Evergreen Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora segundiflora) slowly grows naturally as a shrub or can be trained as multi trunk tree.  The poisonous seeds have a coat that is very hard and difficult to crack limiting risks to humans and pets if swallowed.  Native peoples used the seeds for ceremonial use and ornamental jewelry.  Use this plant as a hedge, screen or accent plant.