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Growing on the High Plains: Desperately Seeking Soapberry

How might have Native Americans and early settlers washed up after a day in the Dust Bowl, in an age before shower gels and laundry detergent pods? The answer probably won’t surprise you, as the aptly-named native tree is the subject of today’s Growing on the High Plains.

A garden tour first introduced me to the spectacular Western Soapberry Tree and led me on a years-long quest to secure a few of the stunning saplings (“soaplings?”) of my own. A midsize tree with glossy green leaves and white spring blossoms, it’s actually the shiny clusters of winter berries which, when crushed, create a great quantity of suds which helped coin the common name “soapberry.” 

Native to central Oklahoma and western Texas, this tree grows well in our dry, alkaline soils and stands resilient against our punishing High Plains winds and bitter winters. 

So, did I succeed in my search? Lather up and listen in.

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.