Red Buckeye

Aesculus Pavia, commonly called red buckeye, is a deciduous clump-forming shrub or small tree with an irregularly rounded crown. It typically grows 10-20’ tall. In spring, showy, erect, 4-10” long panicles of red to orange-red, narrow-tubular flowers appear. Palmately compound, shiny, dark green leaves are attractive in spring and early summer but usually begin to decline by August. Smooth, light brown, globular (1-2” diameter) seed capsules encase 1-3 shiny seeds called buckeyes ripen in the fall. Seeds are poisonous and are avoided by most wildlife.

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Foliage tends to scorch and generally depreciate in dry conditions. Foliage appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It can be grown from seed and may flower as early as the second or third year.