Western Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii)

Family: Sapindaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Sapindus drummondii is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. No more details from this report but another report says that it is poisonous. The berry-like fruits have a leathery coat that contains poisonous saponins. — No more details from this report but another report says that it is poisonous.; The berry-like fruits have a leathery coat that contains poisonous saponins.; The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and often hangs on the tree until the following spring.

Habitat & North American Range

Limestone bluffs, slopes and by streams, in moist clay or dry limestone. Mexican valleys from the upper desert to the woodland zones. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)