​​​​​​​​​Necklace Pod

Sophora tomentosa

  • Common Name: Necklace Pod (other common names: Yellow necklace pod, silverbush, yellow sophora, tambalisa).
  • Scientific Name: Sophora tomentosa
  • Family Name: Fabaceae
  • Origin: Native to Florida
  • Height: 6’ – 10’
  • Width: 8’ – 12’
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Zone: 10 - 11
  • Light Needs: Full sun – partial shade.
  • Salt Tolerance: Will tolerate high levels of salt spray and is at home on the inland side of the dunes along the beach.
  • Soil/PH/Texture: Sand, loam, and clay, well-drained sandy soil, mildly acidic – mildly alkaline (pH 6.1 – 7.8).
  • Soil Moisture: Average water needs, do not overwater but regularly.
  • Drought Tolerance: High
  • Pests/Diseases: No serious pests or diseases of major concern.
  • Growing Conditions: This evergreen will grow or be found on the edges of coastal forests or on the inner sides of beach dunes and has low fertilizer requirements.
  • Characteristics: Its leaves are green – bronze, less than 2”, odd-pinnately compound, 11-21 leaflets, arranged alternately, entire margin, ovate shape and with pinnate venation. It blooms periodically throughout the year with showy, bright yellow, pea-like flowers that are about 1”-2”. It has many pod-like fruits that are 3-6” long and are poisonous. This plant is typically a multi-trunked shrub.
  • Propagation: By stem cuttings or seed.
  • Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
  • Facts: BE CAREFUL! The seeds (necklace beads) are dangerous to eat and contain an alkaloid, cytisine, which is emetic and purgative.
  • Designer Considerations: Can be used as a specimen, in mass plantings, border, or accent. Space 30” – 60” apart.
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Necklace Pod

Location

Butterfly Gardens