I've never seen on in a nursery to my recollection, but you do see them growing wild from time to time in the Austin area. Just don't confuse them with the much more prevalent (and invasive) China berry.

Thanks to you both. I've never noticed them before, somehow they've stayed off my radar all these years. I've got several good spots for more trees, but I want to talk to my nursery guy about potential beetle problems first. I was just so tickled that she requested a tree ... maybe Mom has rubbed off on her with regards to landscaping. She grew up going to nurseries with me, picking out flowers, and helping me plant. Now she knows more about soils than I do. :)

MizzGG,

How far away from Thorndale are you? I'm going to be giving a talk there on April 20th about the Soapberry tree. You might want to come. Email me and I"ll give you all the info. I think you'll like this tree. Where do you live? I'll be bringing seeds.

Xtal

Thanks for the invite and offer, Xtal! I'm a few hours away (D/FW area). I wish I could make it!

If you decide to plant one you might give Stuart Nursery in Weatherford a call if you are on the West side of DFW or don't mind driving out there. They carry a lot of native plants and I remember noticing that they had soapberry trees for sale last spring.

Texan, that's my nursery! I was just there this past weekend, and a few days before that, and ... :D I live very close. It's been for sale a while now, I always tell the owner I want to buy it. I need to win the lottery first.

Perfect! They seem to have some native trees that aren't so common in the nursery trade. I discovered them when I was looking for a Texas Ash. I bought one from them and it has done really well.

Yes, I sure hope the new owners (someday) don't change it. Best place to get natives. Great selection of trees and shrubs (cacti, too). And they know so much about our growing conditions. I've not found a nursery I like better in all of D/FW. I used to love the Ft Worth Calloway's, but have been disappointed in them lately.

You won't see the Soapberry Bug for 3+ more years. Don't let them scare you. You'll see them only when the tree comes into bloom. For that reason plant it farther away from the house. Being a native, they do well with less water, too.

The Soapberry Bug will be after the Saponin in plants in your yard. I only have the Soapberry Tree. So, I just ignored them since they didn't bother anything else.

The only real problem you could ever have would be the Soapberry Borer. Apparently, they are on the decline which is great for us. Did you ever find your Soapberry sapling? They might possibly sucker. So be prepared.

Thanks! No, I'm waiting until my daughter comes home this weekend, we'll go on the hunt together. :)