This small, shrubby tree, commonly known as the Mexican buckeye, is not just ornamental, but tough as well. A member of the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, this tree is semi-hardy and is a low water user. Clusters of bright pink, fragrant flowers appear often before the leaves in the spring. The foot long, pinnate foliage turns a dramatic yellow/gold in the fall. Its hard brown seeds are poisonous. This distinct plant, alone in its genus, was named after an Austrian ambassador who also introduced the Horse chestnut into Western Europe. Growing to only about 15 ft in height, this decorative yet resilient tree works well as an accent in many settings.
