# Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa)

> 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.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/ungnadia-speciosa · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Monilla
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Type: Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winter
- Mature height: 5 m; spread 4 m
- Growth: Fast growing
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Rocky, well-drained limestone, caliche, sand or clay soils
- Native range: Central, south and west Texas and southern New Mexico into northeastern Mexico

**Benefits:** Flowers, Pollinators, Fall color, Drought tolerant, Fits small spaces, Wildlife

**Good for:** Small yard, parks

**Watch out for:** Toxic parts

## 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.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** NM, United States; TX, United States
- **Recommended:** Austin, TX, United States (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.); Dallas, TX, United States (On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree List)

## 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