Soapberry, WesternSapindus drummondii

The Western Soapberry can be expected to grow in the zones shown on this map.

Attributes:
This is a great for urban sites because it tolerates wind, drought, and dry compacted soils. The Soapberry is common in bottomland forests in Oklahoma.

Description:
A North American native, Western Soapberry grows in full sun or partial shade on a wide variety of soils. The crown is much denser in full-day sun. Western Soapberry is particularly well-suited to urban conditions, tolerating wind, drought, and infertile soils with ease. Transplants easily and establishes with only minimal irrigation. The close-grained, strong wood makes this tree very resistant to wind damage and adaptable to urban landscapes.

Wildlife Value:
The Soapberry is a favorite of butterflies in early summer.

History/Lore/Use:
The Soapberry is also called the Chinaberry, Indian Soap Plant, Jaboncillo, or Cherrion. The fruit of the Soapberry gives off a lather when mixed with water and Native Americans used these as a soap substitute. It is native from Missouri to Northern Mexico.

Moisture:
The Western Soapberry tolerates drought conditions, but prefers irrigation or regular watering when young.

Leaves:
The leaves of this tree are medium-green in the summer and turn an attractive yellow in the fall.

Flower Color:
The blooms may be either white or yellow.

Bloom Time:
The Western Soapberry blooms in May and June. .

Fruit Description:
The fruit of the Western Soapberry resembles a cherry and is 1/2" in diameter and is yellow-orange.