Embedded Files
Aesculus pavia
Above: Aesculus pavia in ASMSA Garden in bloom in Spring 2024.
Above: Aesculus pavia in ASMSA Garden in bloom in Spring 2024.
Above: Aesculus pavia in ASMSA Garden in Fall 2024.
Above: Aesculus pavia in ASMSA Garden in Fall 2024.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
The Red buckeye tree is suitable to grow in dry to moderate soil. It prefers full to moderate sun with some shade.
Growth Habit/Description:
A small deciduous tree that grows to be 15-25 ft tall on average and is considered smaller than other types of buckeye trees. It is often single-stemmed with green palmate leaves. Under ideal conditions the tree can grow to be 40 ft. Leaves are smooth on the top and fuzzy and lighter green on underside.
Bloom Season:
One of the easiest ways to identify the red buckeye is through the bright red flowers that bloom during the spring. The Red buckeye blooms in the months of March, April, and May and clusters of red flowers bloom on the tree for about a month.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. Brownish fruit capsules are produced, which serves as food for squirrels. Leaves turn red, orange, or yellow and fell by the end September.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Red buckeye tree is often found in areas with a bit of shade coverage including woodland areas, along streams or ponds, rocky hills, and even wildlife gardens.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? Yes, except for areas by the Western Ozarks and low lying areas along the Mississippi.
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
No. The Red buckeye is not a host plant for caterpillars as far as we know; however, it does attract many pollinators.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. The red blooms in the spring to early summer attract many types of bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. In the fall squirrels also feed off the fruit produced.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: The Red buckeye tree and other Buckeye trees were named after the seeds that look similar to the eye of a deer.
Related Plant Species: There are many other types of buckeye tress that are related to the Red buckeye such as the Ohio buckeye and the yellow buckeye. The Ohio buckeye is considered a medium sized tree with yellow flowers that stamens are pistils extend out throught the flower petals. Yellow buckeyes also have yellow flowers; however, the stamens and pistols are hidden inside the petals of the flowers.
Use For Food/Medicine:
The Red buckeye tree is highly toxic to humans, however the toxin has been used in the past by Native Americans to stupefy and catch fish. The gummy roots can be used as a substitute for soap and the wood from the tree can be made into a black dye.
References
References
Jenkins, Amy. (2022). Go Native With the Red Buckeye. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://amyloujenkins.com/go-native-with-the-red-buckeye/#:~:text=The%20red%20buckeye%20gets%20its,season's%20first%20pollinators%20and%20hummingbirds.
NC State Extension. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Aesculus pavia. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aesculus-pavia/
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. (Last modified: 2022). Austin (TX): University of Texas--Austin. Aesculus pavia. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AEPA
Channon, Ann. DeHass, Thomas. (2022). Not all Buckeyes are created equal. Which is Which?? Buckeye Yard & Garden OnLine. OSU.EDU. The Ohio State University. [Cited 2024, Sept 29]. Available from :https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1970#:~:text=Yellow%20Buckeye%2C%20Aesculus%20flava%2C%20attains,the%20best%20being%20bright%20red.
Last edited by Addie Nance, September 2024.
Page updated
Report abuse