Search

Mexican Buckeye and Mexican Plum: Uber-tough Understory

Understory trees like Mexican buckeye and Mexican plum provide a multitude of benefits such as color, layering and buffering from pesky neighbors. And they’re both featured in our fall WaterSaver Landscape Coupon.

Understory trees add color, vertical structure and wildlife benefits. No home landscape should be without them.

Also referred to as ornamental trees, understory trees remain petite beneath large shade trees and provide layers within the urban forests that assist with rain storage and sunlight dispersion. Often they provide colorful flowers mostly in the spring, but occasionally in the summer. Wildlife — from the two- to eight-legged variety — use understory trees as food and shelter. And most bird nests are found in these trees.

Several understory trees are featured in our fall WaterSaver Landscape Coupon. Two versatile and tough selections are the Mexican buckeye and Mexican plum. Both are adaptable to all soils of the area, but both prefer partially shaded areas.

Mexican buckeye

Features

Not a true buckeye, Mexican buckeye produces a three-lobed shell that contains three dark brown seeds with a small white “eye” resembling a deer’s eye. Mexican buckeye has light pink flowers, which are some of the first of the year arriving in late February and early March. The leaves are compound with five to seven leaflets. Average height about 12 feet.

Where to plant

It may be planted in full sun, but prefers partial shade. Slope or flat ground doesn’t matter.

When to plant

As with all woody trees and shrubs, Nov. 1 to April 1 is planting time.

Water

After an initial establishment period, Mexican buckeye requires water 4-6 times a year a most. It is a native, after all.

Fertilizer

None needed except for annual compost and mulch.

Pests

Humans with weed-eaters and mowers seem to be the greatest pest. Deer don’t like the taste of its leaves.

Mexican plum

Features

Mexican plum produces fragrant white flowers in early March. The fruit is smallish, but very tasty to wildlife and humans alike when it ripens late July to early September. The leaves are distinctive with thick, netted veins. Average height about 20 feet.

Where to plant

Mexican plum does not like full sun at all, but will tolerate it with late afternoon shade so don’t plant it in the front along the street. It does tolerate sands and heavy clays, but really prefers well drained, moist soils.

When to plant

Nov. 1 to April 1.

Water

After establishment, water once a month March through October if no effective rain has occurred. One to 1 ½ inches is sufficient.

Fertilizer

None needed except for annual compost and mulch.

Pests

Fondly called the “long legged hog,” whitetail deer love the Mexican plum. The plum should not be planted without some sort of protection. Humans with weed-eaters are also frequent pests.

Understory trees like Mexican buckeye and Mexican plum provide a multitude of benefits such as color, layering, food, shelter and buffering from pesky neighbors. No home landscape should be without them. Make sure your yard isn’t missing these important features.

Picture of Mark Peterson
Mark Peterson
Mark A. Peterson was a conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System before retiring. With over 30 years of experience as an urban forester and arborist, Mark is probably the only person you know who actually prunes trees for fun. When not expounding on the benefits of trees and limited lawns, you're likely to find him hiking San Antonio's wilderness parks or expounding on the virtues of geography and history to his friends.
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Print
Dig Deeper

Find expert advice on garden basics, landscape design, watering and year-round maintenance.