Western Soapberry

As a nice smaller shade tree option, Western Soapberry trees tend to have a rounder crown of leaves and are native to North America. Western Soapberry trees tolerate wind, drought, and poor soil conditions. In early summer, yellow-white flowers bloom, and in the fall the leaves turn a deep yellow. Although not considered toxic, the fruit grown on Soapberry trees is not considered edible as it will upset digestion. Due to the chemical composition of the fruit, the berries lather when mixed with water and are used in many homemade soaps and detergents. It is documented that earlier groups of people used the bark of Soapberry trees to make weapons, such as arrows.