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Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican Buckeye)

Mexican Buckeye

Ungnadia speciosa

A Texas deciduous shrub that provides beautiful blooms and fall color.  It is commonly found along the river and creek beds of central Texas, and grows well in poor soils and limestone areas, provided there is adequate drainage.  

Mexican Buckeye is generally multi-trunked, but can be pruned regularly to maintain a single trunk like a small tree.  Clusters of bright pink flowers emerge before the leaves in the spring and are slightly fragrant. Before the blooms are spent, light bronze leaflets begin to emerge, turning light green. The pinnate leaves can be up to 12 inches long, with up to six pairs of leaflets, each up to five inches long. They turn a rich yellow color in the fall, falling at the first frost. New branches are smooth, however become fissured with age.

Distinctive tri-valved seed pods develop through the summer, splitting open before fall to reveal the black seeds.  It earned its name due to the seeds looking very similar to buckeyes, however, it is not related to Aesculus, and is the only species in the genus Ungadia

Small Tree
Spring Bloomer
Xeriscape Tree

Flower Color:

Purple-Pink

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Height

20-25 Feet

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Spread

20-25 Feet

Interesting Notes

Leaves and Seeds are toxic. 

 


USDA Hardiness Zone 7a

Available Sizes:

Item Description
BUC-MEX-15 #015 MEXICAN BUCKEYE

Characteristics & Attributes

Deer Tolerance
High
Exposure
Full Sun to Part Shade
Habit
Deciduous
Water Needs
Low
Toxic to Pets
Seeds