When does Mexican Buckeye bloom?

Mexican Buckeye blooms from March through May, producing clusters of fragrant pink flowers before the leaves emerge in spring.

What pollinators visit Mexican Buckeye?

Mexican Buckeye attracts butterflies, bees, and moths with its fragrant spring flowers, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in Texas and New Mexico.

Where is Mexican Buckeye native?

Mexican Buckeye is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it grows naturally in rocky limestone soils and canyon areas.

Is Mexican Buckeye HOA-friendly?

Mexican Buckeye is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Mexican Buckeye

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ungnadia speciosa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican Buckeye) is a small deciduous tree native to New Mexico and Texas that produces fragrant pink flower clusters from March through May. This drought-tolerant native attracts butterflies, bees, and moths while thriving in full sun conditions.

Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) — Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

96"–240" H × 144"–240" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Mexican Buckeye is a native Texas shrub or small tree that produces clusters of fragrant pink flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It grows 8-20 feet tall with an equal spread, thriving in full sun with minimal water once established. The plant goes dormant in winter, dropping its compound leaves to reveal an attractive branching structure.

Growing Mexican Buckeye

Grow Mexican Buckeye in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 144 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mexican Buckeye is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.

Wildlife value

The early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for butterflies, bees, and moths when few other plants are flowering. The seeds are eaten by wildlife, though they are toxic to humans.

Common questions

When does Mexican Buckeye bloom?: Mexican Buckeye blooms from March through May, producing clusters of fragrant pink flowers before the leaves emerge in spring.
What pollinators visit Mexican Buckeye?: Mexican Buckeye attracts butterflies, bees, and moths with its fragrant spring flowers, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in Texas and New Mexico.
Where is Mexican Buckeye native?: Mexican Buckeye is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it grows naturally in rocky limestone soils and canyon areas.
Is Mexican Buckeye HOA-friendly?: Mexican Buckeye is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Mexican Buckeye fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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