Discover the captivating beauty and resilience of Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa), a remarkable deciduous shrub or small tree indigenous to the arid landscapes of south-central Texas, southern New Mexico, and northeastern Mexico. Belonging to the Sapindaceae family, this drought-resilient plant thrives in full sun and rocky terrains, making it a perfect addition to your garden if you're looking to add both aesthetic appeal and ecological value.
Typically growing between 4 to 15 feet tall, and occasionally reaching heights of up to 30 feet in ideal conditions, Mexican Buckeye features a smooth bark that matures to a mottled gray-brown with age. Its branches and twigs transition from slender brown to a striking reddish-brown, becoming glabrous over time. Landscapes come alive as this plant blooms fragrant clusters of rose to purplish-pink flowers from March to June, followed by its eye-catching, reddish-brown, three-lobed capsules containing shiny, buckeyelike seeds.
Mexican Buckeye's leathery, dark green leaves turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, enhancing your garden’s seasonal display. Not just an ornamental delight, it's also an ecological asset, serving as a larval host for the Henry's Elfin Butterfly while its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators. However, note that while birds and mammals may feast on the seeds, they are poisonous to humans.
Adaptable and fast-growing, it thrives in well-drained calcareous soils of mountainous foothills, canyons, and streambanks. Whether showcased as a specimen plant, a tall background feature, or an understory tree, its vibrant blooms and rich color transitions will provide year-round interest, especially when planted under the sun-dappled shade of the afternoon. Warning: avoid consuming the seeds due to their toxicity. This versatile beauty is not just an asset for its visual appeal but a meaningful addition to ecologically considerate landscaping.
