Eve's necklace

Styphnolobium affine 路 Fabaceae 路 also Texas sophora, Pink sophora, Necklace tree

A small, graceful native tree (15-20 feet) with fragrant pink pea-flowers hanging in clusters in spring, followed by black bead-like pods that look like a string of beads and persist into winter. Formerly called Sophora affinis. Tolerant of heat and drought and good for small yards, though the seeds are poisonous.

Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winterMedium growthSun or part shadeLow water
Eve's necklace
Jen, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AR, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 LA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 OK, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United Statessource

Recommended

A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Austin, TX, United States 路 On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Eve's Necklace', a small understory tree with very low water needs; seeds are poisonous.source
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Dallas, TX, United States 路 On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree Listsource

Care

Plant in a well-drained spot with full sun for best bloom; weekly water the first two summers, little afterward. Prune low branches where you need clearance. No serious pests. Keep pods away from small children and pets.

Benefits

FlowersPollinatorsDrought tolerantFits small spacesWildlife

Good for

Small yardStreet tree

Watch out for

Toxic partsShort lived