{"slug":"ungnadia-speciosa","scientific_name":"Ungnadia speciosa","common_names":["Mexican buckeye","Monilla"],"family":"Sapindaceae","type":"broadleaf_deciduous","mature_height_m":5,"mature_spread_m":4,"growth_rate":"fast","lifespan_years":null,"hardiness_zones":[7,10],"sun":"full_partial","water":"low","soil":"Rocky, well-drained limestone, caliche, sand or clay soils","native_range":"Central, south and west Texas and southern New Mexico into northeastern Mexico","description":"A multi-trunked small tree (12-20 feet) that covers itself in fragrant pink flowers in early spring just before the leaves, then turns golden yellow in fall. Woody three-lobed pods hold shiny black seeds that are poisonous to people. Fast-growing for a native, very drought tolerant and happy in part shade.","care":"Needs about half a day of sun and good drainage; water weekly the first two summers, then rarely. Pruning is optional, though you can train it to a single trunk. Resistant to cotton root rot. Keep seeds away from children and pets.","benefits":["flowers","pollinators","fall_color","drought_tolerant","small_space","wildlife"],"uses":["small_yard","parks"],"cautions":["toxic_parts"],"image_url":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Ungnadia_speciosa_flowers.jpg","image_credit":"Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons","sources":["https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/UNSP","https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=UNSP","https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/buckeye-mexican","https://www.treefolks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NeighborWoodsTreeMenu-2026.pdf"],"data_note":null,"updated_at":"2026-11-08T01:00:46.205Z","page_url":"https://treerm.org/trees/ungnadia-speciosa","markdown_url":"https://treerm.org/trees/ungnadia-speciosa.md","regions":[{"country":"US","region":"NM","locality":null,"status":"native","note":null,"source_url":"https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/UNSP"},{"country":"US","region":"TX","locality":null,"status":"native","note":null,"source_url":"https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/UNSP"},{"country":"US","region":"TX","locality":"Austin","status":"recommended","note":"On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Buckeye, Mexican' for use as an understory tree; seeds poisonous to humans.","source_url":"https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/buckeye-mexican"},{"country":"US","region":"TX","locality":"Dallas","status":"recommended","note":"On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree List","source_url":"https://dallas.gov/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/DCH%20documents/pdf/BI_Approved%20Tree%20List.pdf"}],"license":"CC-BY-4.0"}