Landscaping Ideas

Red Buckeye

By Innovation Grounds

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The Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States.

Scientific Classification

Size: Typically grows 6 to 20 feet tall and wide, depending on the environment and age of the plant.
Form: It is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded or open, spreading form.
Leaves: Large, palmate (hand-shaped), typically composed of five leaflets. The leaves turn yellow or red in the fall before dropping.
Flowers: The showy red flowers appear in spring (April to May), usually in upright clusters. They are tubular, attracting hummingbirds and bees. The flowers are a key ornamental feature.
Fruit: The fruit is a spiky, leathery capsule, about 2–3 inches in diameter. Inside the capsule are 1-3 glossy brown seeds, often called “buckeyes,” which are toxic if ingested.
Bark: Grayish-brown, smooth bark that may develop slight furrows as the tree matures.

Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. It does best in loamy or sandy soils.
Watering: Moderate water needs. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate drought once established.
Hardiness Zones: USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.

Pruning: Light pruning may be needed to remove dead or damaged branches. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Fertilization: It typically doesn’t require heavy fertilization, but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-resistant. However, it can sometimes be affected by leaf spot, scale insects, and aphids. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew may occasionally affect it.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.

Red Buckeye is often confused with other buckeye species, but it is distinctive due to its red flowers.
The tree has a relatively short lifespan compared to other buckeyes, with most living around 30 years, though they can live longer in ideal conditions.