# Eve's necklace (Styphnolobium affine)

> 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.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/styphnolobium-affine · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Texas sophora, Pink sophora, Necklace tree
- Family: Fabaceae
- Type: Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winter
- Mature height: 6 m; spread 4 m
- Growth: Medium growth
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 9
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Well-drained sand, loam, clay or limestone soils; turns yellow in poorly drained ground
- Native range: North-central and central Texas into Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana

**Benefits:** Flowers, Pollinators, Drought tolerant, Fits small spaces, Wildlife

**Good for:** Small yard, Street tree

**Watch out for:** Toxic parts, Short lived

## 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.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** AR, United States; LA, United States; OK, United States; TX, United States
- **Recommended:** Austin, TX, United States (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.); Dallas, TX, United States (On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree List)

## Sources

- https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/STAF4
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=STAF4
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/styphnolobium-affine/
- https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/eves-necklace
- https://www.treefolks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NeighborWoodsTreeMenu-2026.pdf