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Soapberry
Soapberry botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Soapberry

Sapindus saponaria
In the United States: Native · also called western soapberry, wingleaf soapberry

Soapberry trees offer honeybees a valuable source of both nectar and pollen from their small, clustered white flowers during late spring bloom, aiding in early colony expansion. The species thrives in warm, dry conditions and provides reliable forage in subtropical climates without needing much supplemental water once established. While the fruits contain saponins that are toxic to mammals, they pose no issue for bees and can be left for wildlife.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) May–June
TypePerennial
Sunfull
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