Western Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii), also known as Wild Chinaberry, is a resilient native tree that shines with golden autumn foliage and clusters of translucent amber berries—once used by Indigenous tribes (like the Kiowa, Wichita and Comanche tribes) as a natural cleanser. Its airy crown of bright green leaflets turns fiery yellow in fall, while spring brings creamy-white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. The tree’s silver-gray, exfoliating bark adds winter interest, and its drought-tolerant nature allows it to thrive in harsh soils, wind, and heat. A wildlife magnet, its berries feed songbirds (though toxic to humans), and its leaves host native moths. Ideal as a shade tree, windbreak, or rewilding centerpiece, this low-maintenance gem offers year-round beauty and ecological value with nothing more than sunlight and time.

Scientific Name: Sapindus drummondii
Origin: South-central U.S. and northern Mexico
Height: 20–50 feet
Spread: 20–40 feet
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate

Blooms: May–June
USDA Zones: 6–9