The Red Buckeye tree, also known as Aesculus pavia, is from the horse chesnut family. It is a fast growing and easy to grow tree that brings hummingbirds to the landscape. It can also be called the Scarlet Buckeye and the Firecracker.
About the Red Buckeye
Growing typically up to 10 feet high, the Red Buckeye tree has been seen growing as high as 30 feet. Leaves are velvety and purple green at first maturing into a dark green upper color and a pale white color on undersides. Foliage is serrated and compound. Flowers are in racemes, or terminal spikes, and fire red (hence the firecracker name) in color. Flowers will typically bloom between March and May. There is a smooth capsule fruit containing one to three seeds that are poisonous. Some varieties have yellow flowers, like Aesculus pavia var. flavescens.
Growing the Aesculus Pavia
Aesculus pavia prefers partial shade and moist acidic to nearly neutral pH soil. Soil should also be well-draining. It is hardy in USDA zones five through nine. Within their native spread, the tree is drought tolerant and survives with typical rainfall. Propagate from seed or root cuttings. Seed can be collected when brown and firm and planted immediately into the ground.
Red Buckeye Toxicity
While they look similar to the edible chestnuts, the seeds and shoots of this particular plant are indeed poisonous. Toxicity to the plant can vary according to the stage of growth of the tree, the height and weight of the person or animal involved, and the absorption of herbicides and pesticides.
Aesculus Pavia Distribution
The Red Buckeye is distributed throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Red Buckeye Uses
The red buckeye has been used as a herbal remedy from the bark. A black dye has been made from the wood. Pioneer people made a soap substitute from the roots. Powdered seeds were used by American Indians to stupefy fish, throwing the crushed branches and powder into water sources. Small game eat the nuts.
This native tree has many uses in the landscape, a rich history of medicinal and home use, and showy flowers to attract hummingbirds and small wildlife to the yard. It is a fine selection for most any landscape.
Source:
Floridata, Aesculus pavia, Copyright 1996 – 2010, Floridata.com LC, Tallahassee, Florida USA
Native Plants Information Network, © 2011 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
