Mexican Buckeye
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Mexican-buckeye is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 8-12 ft. in height and reach 30 ft. It usually has light gray to brown bark, smooth on young branches, and fissured with age. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long, with a central axis that supports 2 to 6 paired leaflets and a terminal one. The leaflets are up to 5 inches long, ovate to narrower, with an elongate tip, rounded base, and serrated margins. The pinnate foliage turns golden yellow in the fall. The tree produces fragrant, bright-pink flowers in clusters before or with the leaves from the axils of the previous season. The fruit is a light reddish-brown, three-lobed capsule that contains 1 to 3 dark brown to black, shiny seeds that are 1/2 inch in diameter. The capsule's walls often persist through the winter, and the seeds are poisonous.
From a distance, the tree in full flower looks similar to redbuds or peaches. Children sometimes use the sweetish but poisonous seeds as marbles. Livestock seldom browses the toxic foliage, but bees produce fragrant honey from the flowers. Although not a true buckeye, it is so-called because of the similar large capsules and seeds. In its genus, this distinct plant commemorates Baron Ferdinand von Ungnad, Austrian ambassador at Constantinople, who introduced the Horsechestnut into Western Europe in 1576.
Mexican buckeye produces an opulent show when it blooms. The foliage turns a clear yellow in the fall. Foliage, flowers, and dense branching make this species an outstanding small specimen tree or tall background shrub. This tree proliferates, is drought-resistant, and is resistant to cotton root rot. If desired, prune the tree to encourage a single trunk. The growth characteristics of this tree vary significantly depending on the site. The seedpods of this tree are mildly poisonous.
Height: 15’-30'
Spread: 8’-12'
Bloom: Spring
Light: Full sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Origin: Texas, S.E. New Mexico, Northern Mexico
Winter Shipping: We will continue to ship throughout winter. If you prefer, we are happy to hold your order until spring; please include that request in your shipping notes.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
