Common names include Western Soapberry, Soapberry, Indian Soap Plant, Jaboncillo, Wild Chinaberry
Synonyms: Sapindus drummondii
Western Soapberry is a hardy, medium-sized, deciduous tree that reaches 20-50 feet (depending on depth of soil where it is planted), and develops an open-rounded crown with glossy green leaves. In late spring, yellowish-white flowers bloom in large, open panicles that reach up to 10″ long. In late summer, the flowers give way to vibrant grape-like, yellow-orange fruits.Foliage turns a deep yellow in fall. The tree’s scaly trunks, and sometimes lingering fruits that eventually turn black, add winter interest.
The fruits are a good food source for birds, but are toxic to humans if eaten. They contain saponin, which creates a soapy lather when mashed that can be used for both skincare and laundry. Additionally, this plant is a larval host to the Soapberry Hairstreak.
Western Soapberry grows in the wild stream banks, wood margins, and rocky hillsides. It prefers rich, limestone soils. It can tolerate high pH soils, drought, wind, heat, poor soil, air pollution and other city conditions. However, it does appreciate good drainage.
