Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii)

Native Tree with Natural Cleaning Power and Wildlife Value

The Western Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii), also known as Soap Tree Soapnut, is a remarkable North American native tree with a long tradition of use as a natural soap source. Its round, golden berries are packed with saponins—plant-based compounds that lather in water and clean naturally, making this tree a sustainable alternative for eco-friendly laundry and household use.

Beyond its soap-producing fruit, Soapberry is a beautiful, fast-growing deciduous tree that thrives in warm, dry, and rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes and rewilding projects. In spring, it produces fragrant creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by clusters of shiny, translucent orange berries in fall.

Native to the southern United States, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida, Soapberry provides excellent wildlife habitat and is highly adaptable to a range of environments. Its airy canopy and rugged resilience make it ideal for food forests, pollinator gardens, or as a functional ornamental shade tree.