Eve's Necklace

Eve's Necklace" is a decorative tree that grows on limestone soils in the state's center, from north-central Texas through the Edwards Plateau. It has dark, shiny green leaves and a rounded to upright oval crown. In spring, it produces rosy-pink flowers that hang in clusters resembling wisteria, followed by fruit pods in late summer and fall that look like a black string of beads, giving the tree its common name. The seeds are said to be poisonous.

Eve's Necklace thrives in sunlight and shade and grows vine-like in dense woods. It is closely related to Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora).

For optimal growth, plant Eve's Necklace in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and use it as an understory tree. Trees in full sun tend to be shorter in height than those in shaded areas. You can expect more abundant flowering when the tree is planted in full sun.

This tree is hardy in Zones 7 through 9. It can also be cultivated as a container plant in suitable locations and brought indoors during colder months. When you notice reduced growth, it's time to repot the tree, as it indicates that the container has become too small for the roots to spread properly.