Wingleaf Soapberry

At maturity, this species reaches approximately 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) tall, presenting Pinnate leaves, typically consisting of 5-7 leaflets, glossy green along with Small white to yellowish flowers, hermaphroditic, clustered in panicles, followed by Spherical, black or brown fruits with a hard shell containing a soapy substance. These features are supported by a reliable Fibrous root system, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

Native to Native to tropical regions of the Americas, particularly the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of the southern United States, Wingleaf Soapberry thrives in Moist, open or disturbed areas, often along stream banks at elevations around Sea level to about 1,500 feet (450 m). Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zone 8-10. Whether grown indoor, in a curated garden or a more natural setting, its ecological requirements help maintain its vigor over time.

You can use our free plant identify app PlantPlants to chose the best spot for Wingleaf Soapberry, This plant prefers Full sun to partial shade and flourishes in Loamy, well-draining soil with a soil pH of about 6.0-8.0.

Wingleaf Soapberry needs watering,Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, guided by PlantPlants app, You can get plants daily watering schedule. to maintain Moist but well-drained, ensure steady hydration. Applying water through Deep watering to promote root growth supports even distribution and helps prevent overwatering or dryness.

Wingleaf Soapberry performs best within 50 F to 95 F (10 C to 35 C). Its ideal growth occurs at around 75 F to 85 F (24 C to 29 C), though it tolerates ranges from Can tolerate down to 20 F (-6 C) in some cases. Additionally, maintaining Moderate humidity preferred encourages healthy foliage and overall plant vigor.

Feeding with Balanced NPK fertilizer (10-10-10) at the recommended Seasonal Application Frequency on PlantPlants App keeps nutrients balanced. Incorporating Organic compost enhances soil structure and fertility, while staying alert to Yellowing leaves may indicate nitrogen deficiency helps you adjust care as needed to maintain optimal plant health.

Regular attention ensures this plant’s beauty and longevity. Late winter or early spring for Thin out crowded branches to promote airflow tidies its appearance, while Every 2-3 years, depending on growth may be necessary as it grows, requiring a Increase pot size by 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) when repotting increase and a fresh Well-draining potting mix with organic matter. for Staking or Support. Young trees may require staking for support until established.

During Winter, growth may slow and some Evergreen in warmer climates; may drop leaves in colder conditions can occur. For those looking to propagate, consider Seed propagation and cuttings and provide Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting; requires warmth to germinate when starting from seed. If using cuttings, follow Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring and use rooting hormone for better results to ensure successful rooting and healthy new plants.

our free plant identify and care app PlantPlants can help you diagnosisWingleaf Soapberry problems.Though generally robust, keep watch for Aphids, scale insects and remain vigilant against Root rot in overly wet conditions. Implementing Maintain good airflow and avoid waterlogging and applying Insecticidal soap for pests, improve drainage for root rot when issues arise will help sustain the plant thriving.

This plant pairs nicely with Other native trees and shrubs that prefer similar conditions and shows May inhibit growth of certain understory plants, making it a flexible choice for various Shade tree, specimen tree, and in naturalized plantings.

the Edible Parts: Berries (caution advised), leaves. Toxicty of Wingleaf Soapberry, Berries contain saponins, which can be toxic in large quantities. learning about its Fruit harvested when ripe; typically in late summer or early fall, Historically used to make soap; not commonly eaten due to potential toxicity, and Contains saponins, which can be toxic but have historical medicinal uses can be intriguing for culinary explorers. Some traditions highlight its Traditionally used as a natural soap, and for various medicinal purposes by indigenous people or note its Valued historically as a natural detergent and in traditional medicine.

With an Not listed (least concern), proper Encourage sustainable harvesting practices