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Flower

Winter interest

Form

Foliage

Leguminaceae (Fabaceae)

Eve's Necklace is a pretty small tree that is found on limestone soils in the center of the state from north central Texas through the Edwards Plateau. The dark lustrous green leaves are borne in a rounded to upright oval crown. In spring it produces rosy-pink flowers that hang in wisteria-like clusters, followed by fruit pods in late summer and fall that resemble a black string of beads, giving it its common name. The seeds are reportedly poisonous. Eve's Necklace can grow in sun or as an understory tree; in dense woods it can even be vine-like. It is related to Texas Mountain Laurel, Sophora secundiflora, which is evergreen.

Plant Habit or Use: small tree

Exposure: sun partial sun shade

Flower Color: pale to rosy pink

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: long black segmented pods

Height: 15 to 35 ft.

Width: 10 to 20 ft.

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements: low

Soil Requirements: alkaline adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: