Quick answer: Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) is native to 2 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Rocky, tolerates sandy loam/clay loam/limestone-based |
| Bloom | Mar-Jun |
| Height | 8-12 ft (to 30 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for bees/butterflies/moths, larval host for Henry's Elfin, birds/mammals eat seeds |
Seeds poisonous; mildly poisonous seedpods -- livestock typically avoid the toxic foliage
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Mexican buckeye
Where is Mexican buckeye native?
Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) is native to New Mexico and Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Mexican buckeye bloom?
Mexican buckeye blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Mexican buckeye need?
Light: Full sun to part shade. Water: Low. Soil: Rocky, tolerates sandy loam/clay loam/limestone-based. Mature height: 8-12 ft (to 30 ft).
Is Mexican buckeye good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for bees/butterflies/moths, larval host for Henry's Elfin, birds/mammals eat seeds.
Is Mexican buckeye deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Mexican buckeye is drought-tolerant.
Is Mexican buckeye toxic?
Seeds poisonous; mildly poisonous seedpods -- livestock typically avoid the toxic foliage.
Where can I buy real Mexican buckeye seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Ungnadia speciosa on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Mexican buckeye.
- Autumn sage Salvia greggii
- Cenizo sage Leucophyllum frutescens
- Red yucca Hesperaloe parviflora
- Yellow bells (esperanza) Tecoma stans
- Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens
- Texas persimmon Diospyros texana
Also listed under
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