Mexican Buckeye

Native across the Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, and Texas Blackland Prairies, Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) is an adaptable deciduous tree valued for both ornamental appeal and ecosystem support. During Spring, the plant produces delightfully fragrant, pink blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental capsule that add seasonal interest. It plays a key ecological role as a larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies, including Henry's Elfin, Packard's Prominent Moth, and Henry's Elfin Butterfly. Thriving in caliche, clay, dry, limestone, loam, rocky, sand, and well drained, Mexican Buckeye demonstrates outstanding hardiness once established. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease. It offers high deer resistance.