 |
Western Soapberry
Soapweed Family : Sapindaceae
Latin Name : Sapindus drummondii
(synonym: Sapindus saponaria)
Longevity : Perennial
Season : Warm
Origin : Native
Value : Wildlife – good
Livestock -good
Remarks :
Other common names, "Wild chinaberry". Growth
form is a deciduous tree attaining heights up to 50
feet, with a diameter of 1 to 2 ft. The branches are
usually erect forming a rounded crown. The white
flowers bloom May to June, fruit ripens from
September to October. The fruit is round, shriveled
and can be white, yellowish, or blackish in color.
The fruit is not edible due to a poisonous substance
called saponin, which produces a good lather in
water. The seeds are used in Mexico as a laundry
soap, thus the name, "Soapberry". Adapted to
sandy moist soils along streams and road sides.
Source: USDA-NRCS
|
