VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii | Western Soapberry 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
Wood of western soapberry is light brown or yellowish with lighter
sapwood [33,41].  The wood is hard, strong, close-grained, and heavy
[29,41].  It averages 51 pounds per cubic foot [41].  Western soapberry
wood splits easily into thin strips which can be used to make frames,
boxes, and baskets [16,29,41].  Wood formerly received local use for
cotton baskets, crates, pack saddles, and fuel [7,34].  In some areas it
is still used as firewood [41].  Although western soapberry wood
"finishes nicely," it has little or no commercial value [19,41].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Western soapberry browse contains poisonous saponins and is rarely eaten
by domestic livestock [40].  It occasionally receives slight cattle use
where other forage is scarce or unavailable [7,14].  Berries are not
eaten by livestock [37].


PALATABILITY : 
Western soapberry foliage is apparently of low palatability to domestic
livestock.  Mature leaves are unpalatable to foraging ants [45].

Berries contain poisonous saponins which render them objectionable in
taste [37].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Western soapberry provides hiding or resting cover for a variety of game
species [19].  It also furnishes nesting sites for doves and many
songbirds [19].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Western soapberry has been widely planted in shelterbelts throughout the
southern Great Plains [29].  Its ability to persist on dry, windy,
infertile sites suggests potential value for use on some disturbed
sites.  Plants may be propagated through seed or stem cuttings [16,34].

Approximately 100 pounds (45 kg) of fruit yields 30 to 35 pounds (14-16
kg) of cleaned seed [29].  Fruit can be collected during late fall or
winter [47].  Properly pretreated seed can be planted in the spring at a
depth of 0.75 inch (19 mm) [41].  Detailed information is available on
seed collection, storage, and planting techniques [23,29,42].

Western soapberry can also be propagated through hardwood or softwood
cuttings [34,41].  Cuttings often root poorly, but the use of auxins can
effectively stimulate root formation [16].  Cuttings taken in May, June,
or July can root in 5 to 6 weeks if properly treated [34].  Success
depends largely on climate, the genetic stock used, and the season in
which cuttings are obtained [16].  Vegetative propagation has been
examined in detail [16].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Western soapberry is attractive and tolerant of poor soil and harsh
urban growing conditions [29,34].  Consequently, it is well suited for
use as a shade tree or ornamental in landscape plantings.  It has been
cultivated since 1900 [23,41].  Western soapberry casts light shade and
makes a good patio tree [34].  Its attractive, persistent fruit and
unique bark make it visually appealing during the winter [34].  It is
extremely wind resistant and hardy to zone 5 [34].

Berries contain approximately 37 percent saponin and were crushed to
make cleaners and soaps by Native American peoples and early settlers
[7,32].  Western soapberry can, however, cause contact dermatitis in
susceptible people [14].  Although the berries are somewhat poisonous,
preparations made from them have been used to treat fevers, rheumatism,
and kidney problems [26,41].  The closely related wingleaf soapberry
(Sapindus saponaria var. saponaria) has been widely used in parts of the
Old World to treat ulcers, joint pain, epilepsy, cataracts, bronchial
asthma, and "uterus pain" [44].  It has reportedly produced good results
in the treatment of psoriasis, jaundice, and pellagra [44].  The inner
bark of western soapberry has been used in home remedies as an
astringent [17].  Seeds of western soapberry have been used to make
buttons and necklaces [41].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Many unique bottomland communities of south-central Oklahoma, in which western
soapberry occurs as a prominent species, are being threatened by agro-
industrial activities [25].  Experts estimate that if present trends continue,
these communities will soon be completely eliminated [25].

Related categories for Species: Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii | Western Soapberry