Ungnadia speciosa, commonly known as the Mexican buckeye, is a small, multi-stemmed deciduous tree or large shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, where it typically grows along rocky slopes, dry canyons, and limestone outcrops. Reaching 3–8 meters in height, it forms an upright, spreading habit with smooth, gray-brown bark and attractive, pinnately compound leaves that emerge a fresh, bright green in spring before maturing to deeper tones through summer. One of its most striking features is its early-season flowering: before the foliage fully develops, clusters of fragrant, rose-pink to lavender blossoms appear along the branches, providing an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators when little else is blooming. These flowers are followed by distinctive, woody, three-lobed pods that mature to a dark brown and rattle with large, shiny black seeds inside; although visually appealing, the seeds are toxic if ingested. Adapted to heat, drought, and poor, alkaline soils, Ungnadia speciosa is an exceptionally low-maintenance plant for xeric landscapes, thriving in full sun to light shade and requiring minimal irrigation once established. Its combination of early spring color, interesting seed pods, wildlife value, and rugged adaptability makes it a desirable ornamental choice for naturalistic plantings, habitat restoration projects, and water-wise gardens throughout warm, dry climates.