Alternate name: Vara Dulce

Family: Fabaceae, Pea view all from this family

Description Texas kidneywood is an unarmed, much-branched shrub, 3-10 ft. tall, with an open, airy structure. Its 3-4 in. spikes of white flowers are fragrant, as are the deciduous, finely divided leaves. Seed pods are somewhat persistent.

Habitat Scrub, shrub & brushlands, Canyons & valleys.

Range Texas.

Comments Can create a small tree with proper pruning. May temporarily lose leaves during a dry spell. Drought-tolerant. All parts of the tree are gland dotted, emitting a citrus odor when crushed.

Exposure Preference Sun.

Flower April - September

Native Distribution S. Texas, n. to Bell, San Saba, Crockett & Brewster Counties & s. to Mexico

Site Preference Dry, brushy hills & canyons

Soil Preference Dry, rocky, calcareous soils.

Wildlife Value Flowers attract bees and butterflies