Common Name(s): | Western Soapberry, Wild Chinaberry, Soapberry,Western |
Scientific Name: | Sapindus saponaria |
Synoyms: | Sapindus drummondii |
Family: | Sapindaceae |
Longevity: | Perennial |
Season: | Cool |
Origin: | Native |
Height: | 12 m |
Flowers: | May - June |
Fruits: | Fall |
Description: A medium-sized tree common on moist soils in bottomlands, along streams and field borders in the southern U.S. Fruit is considered poisonous to humans, matures black in the fall and remains attached into winter. Fruit was once used as a substitute for soap and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals when handled. Fruits are occasionally eaten by white-tailed deer and some other mammals and birds. Is often mis-identified as China-berry which has bi-pinnately compound leaves. |