Western Soapberry
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Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii
Also known as Western Soapberry, Soapberry, Wild China Tree, Wild Chinaberry, Indian Soap Plant, Jaboncillo
Sapindus drummondii, often known as western soapberry, is a charming small to medium-sized deciduous tree, proudly showcasing its open-rounded crown. It reaches 20 to 50 feet and is adorned with glossy compound leaves that are a lovely medium green. In late summer, it produces vibrant grape-like, yellow-orange, and quite eye-catching fruits, though they should be admired from a distance since they’re toxic if ingested. Its stunning deep yellow foliage ushers in fall as the seasons change, while the gray bark features delightful scaly plates.
In late spring, around May to June, beautiful yellowish-white flowers bloom in large, open panicles that reach up to 10 inches long. These lovely flowers give way to the yellow-orange grape-like fruits, usually containing one seed, which mature from September to October. The tree’s scaly trunks and sometimes lingering fruits that eventually turn black add a lovely touch of interest during winter.
While the fruits are toxic and shouldn’t be eaten, they contain saponin, which creates a wonderful soapy lather when mashed. Interestingly, Native Americans historically made soap from this remarkable fruit, showcasing its versatility and unique qualities.
Height: 20'-50'
Spread: 20'-50'
Bloom: May-June
Light: Full sun, Part Shade
Water: Low-Medium
Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: southern U.S., northern Mexico
Spring Shipping:
Orders are shipped within 7-10 business days. We will email you if there are expected delays.
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.
