Species library · Plants & herbs

Mexican Buckeye: poisonous

Ungnadia speciosa

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Mexican Buckeye is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from March to June in the northern hemisphere. Found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa)

Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair · iNaturalist

When Mexican Buckeye appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Mexican Buckeye is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges.

⚠ Look-alikes

Look up Mexican Buckeye in the app

In the Forage app, Mexican Buckeye has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Mexican Buckeye: common questions

Is Mexican Buckeye poisonous?

Yes. Mexican Buckeye is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Mexican Buckeye appear?

Mexican Buckeye usually appears from March to June in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Mexican Buckeye grow?

Mexican Buckeye is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges.

What can Mexican Buckeye be confused with?

Toxic look-alikes: Ohio buckeye, red buckeye, wingleaf soapberry. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits