mountain laurel scent

It is drought-tolerant, prefers rocky limestone soil, and is native from central Texas west to New Mexico and south to San Luis Potosi in Mexico. Like many woody plants native to rocky soils, it is slow growing. The fragrance of Texas mountain laurel flowers is reminiscent of artificial grape products.

Does mountain laurel smell?

The Texas Mountain Laurel is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with dark, shiny leaves and large drooping clusters of purple flowers that smell oddly like grape bubblegum. The flowers give way to large seed pods filled with bright red seeds.

Is Mountain Laurel toxic?

Toxicity. Mountain laurel is poisonous to several different animals, including horses, goats, cattle, sheep, and deer, due to andromedotoxin and arbutin. The green parts of the plant, the flowers, twigs, and pollen are all toxic, and symptoms of toxicity begin to appear about 6 hours following ingestion.

Are Texas mountain laurels messy?

In our research, we never found anyone who said "this is one messy plant!", but we're not sure just how messy it would be in relation to your swimming pool filter. Although evergreen, it is going to shed some leaves year-round to be replaced by new ones.

Do hummingbirds like mountain laurel?

This plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees (although their honey will be toxic and should be avoided). Protect the delicate fibrous mountain laurel roots with a two-to-six-inch layer of mulch.

Is it illegal to pick mountain laurel?

But there are no legal restrictions on the cultivation of mountain laurel." In addition, on public land in Pennsylvania, “cutting, picking, digging, damaging or removing, in whole or in part, a living or dead tree, shrub or plant” is illegal.

How quickly does mountain laurel grow?

This shrub grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year.

Is Laurel poisonous to humans?

Laurel hedging is also toxic to humans – including berries, leaves and stems – and particularly wilted or fallen leaves. Care should be taken whilst planting your hedge and avoid chipping the wood, as this can release hydrocyanic fumes into the air.

What animal eats mountain laurel?

Because these plants are consumed by deer only as a last resort, deer can actually promote the growth of these plants. By eating all the other plants, deer browsing eliminates the competition clearing the path for mountain laurel (and heath family) expansion.

Is Laurel poisonous to cows?

ALL parts (leaves, berries etc.) of all Laurels, apart from Bay Laurel, are poisonous to livestock and animals. We have had no reports of children or pets being affected by the foliage of these hedging plants; in our experience they hold no real attraction, however it is best to avoid planting next to livestock.

Do Texas mountain laurels attract bees?

Texas mountain laurel is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring. ... Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers for pollen and nectar, and appreciate the blooms so early in the season when not much else is blooming in local landscapes for spring quite yet.

Is Texas mountain laurel poisonous to dogs?

Mountain Laurel: This beautiful flowering plant can be quite toxic to both dogs and cats. The toxin associated with this plan results in abnormal functioning of muscles and nerves. Common symptoms include lethargy, drooling, uncoordinated walking, and a decreased heart rate.

How big do Texas mountain laurels get?

Mescal bean or Texas mountain laurel is an evergreen, usually multi-trunked shrub or small tree ranging from just a few feet tall to more than 30 ft. in height, though its usual height at maturity is 10-15 ft.

What is a hummingbird's favorite flower?

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

What color flowers do hummingbirds like?

What flowers do hummingbirds like? Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to long tubular flowers that are red, but are frequently seen visiting flowers that are orange, yellow, purple, or even blue, giving you plenty to choose from.

What is the best hanging plant to attract hummingbirds?

The most natural way to satisfy hummingbirds' thirst for nectar is to grow flowers they love. Three hummingbird favorites — fuchsias, geraniums and mini-petunias — thrive when planted together in hanging baskets.

Which blooms first mountain laurel or rhododendron?

Mountain laurel usually blooms from May to June and has pink or white flowers with a red stripe encircling the center. ... Rhododendron blooms in June to July and bears clusters of 10 to 20 bell-shaped flowers at the end of small branches. Flowers are about 1.5 inches wide.

Is Mountain Laurel invasive?

Mountain Laurel- a great native replacement for Barberry, an invasive plant.

Is it illegal to cut down mountain laurel in CT?

Despite persistent rumors, the mountain laurel receives no more protection under state law than other plants. “If it's on someone's property, no plant can be dug or picked without permission,” said Glenn D. Dreyer, director of the Connecticut College Arboretum.

Does mountain laurel need sun?

Mountain laurel will grow in USDA Zones 5 to 9 in deep shade to full sun, but it does best in moderate to partial shade. In deep shade it won't produce as many flowers and can become spindly. Too-bright sun can cause scorching of the leaves.

What grows well with mountain laurel?

While mountain laurel is particular about its soil needs, this plant is easy to grow in the right environment. It is a good flowering shrub for mass plantings in shady shrub borders, woodland gardens, or for foundation plantings. It partners well with rhododendrons and azaleas.

Which is the fastest growing laurel?

One of the most popular choices for privacy hedging, the cherry laurel is extremely fast growing. Also known as common laurel, this evergreen species thrives in shadier conditions as well as in direct sunlight. Growth wise, you can expect about 60cm per year in average conditions.