Mexican Buckeye

Pink Spring Blooms on a Texas Native

The Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) is a charming Texas native that announces spring with clusters of fragrant pink-purple flowers, often before its leaves emerge. Compact and perfectly adapted to SA’s limestone soils. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Mexican Buckeyes at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

1–2 ft/yr
Growth Rate
15–25 ft
Mature Height
Excellent
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low
Growth
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Early Spring Flowers
Spring Pioneer

Early Spring Flowers

Mexican Buckeyes are among the first trees to bloom in spring (March), producing fragrant pink-purple flower clusters that signal the end of winter. They bloom on bare branches, creating a stunning display.

First pink flowers of spring Native to TX Hill Country Compact for small spaces Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Mexican Buckeye vs. Crape Myrtle

Two popular aesthetic/ornamental options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Mexican Buckeye

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtExcellent
FoliageDeciduous
Mature Height15–25 ft
WaterLow
Best ForSmall Yards, Native Garden

Crape Myrtle

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

6 ft
Planting
10 ft
Year 3
16 ft
Year 7
Full form
22 ft
Year 12+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Very drought-tolerant once established.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low
Growth Rate
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Canopy Spread
12–18 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Foliage
Deciduous
Native Range
Central Texas
Soil
Limestone / Rocky
Best For
Small Yards, Native Garden
Category
Aesthetic/Ornamental
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Mexican Buckeyes grow 1–2 ft/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Yes, very. Once established they need minimal supplemental water.

Mature size is typically 15–25 ft tall with a 12–18 ft spread.

They thrive in limestone / rocky soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Mexican Buckeyes in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Mexican Buckeyes are excellent for small yards, native garden in the San Antonio area.