Common Names: Texas Kidneywood, Kidneywood, Bee Brush, Vara Dulce, Palo Dulce
Texas kidneywood is a shrub that can grow between 3 to 10 feet tall, with a lovely, open structure. The 3 to 4-inch spikes of white flowers not only bring beauty but also fill the air with their sweet scent, complemented by the finely divided, deciduous leaves which, when crushed, release a burst of aroma. The flowers bloom intermittently from May to October, followed by small fruit pods, often topped with a threadlike tip. These seed pods stick around for a while, too. This tree is named for the place it has found in traditional remedies for kidney and bladder issues. With a little care and thoughtful pruning, you can shape this plant into a petite tree. It might lose some leaves during dry spells, but rest assured, it’s quite drought-tolerant.
