TreeRM

Mexican buckeye

Ungnadia speciosa 路 Sapindaceae 路 also Monilla

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.

Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winterFast growingSun or part shadeLow water
Mexican buckeye
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 NM, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United Statessource

Recommended

A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Austin, TX, United States 路 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
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Dallas, TX, United States 路 On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree Listsource

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

FlowersPollinatorsFall colorDrought tolerantFits small spacesWildlife

Good for

Small yardparks

Watch out for

Toxic parts