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red buckeye

Scientific Name: Aesculus pavia var. flavescens

Family: Hippocastanaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

The Red Buckeye, scientifically known as Aesculus pavia, is a captivating deciduous flowering plant native to the southeastern United States. It is also commonly called Firecracker Plant or Scarlet Buckeye.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions "poisonous nuts" that resemble a deer's eye.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions "poisonous nuts" that resemble a deer's eye.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aesculus pavia
  • Common Names: Red Buckeye, Scarlet Buckeye, Firecracker Plant
  • Family: Hippocastanaceae (horse chestnuts)
  • Variety: Aesculus pavia var. pavia (has red flowers)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southeastern United States.
  • Ranges from Virginia to Florida, through eastern Texas and north to Illinois.
  • Specifically mentioned as occurring naturally in Georgia.
  • Common in rich bottomland forests of the Coastal Plain, particularly in the southern half.
  • Grows under the shade of taller trees in rich woodland areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous clump-forming shrub or small tree with an irregular rounded crown.
  • Typically grows 10-20 feet tall, but can reach 25-30 feet in the wild.
  • Can grow as a shrub or small tree with single or multiple stems.
  • Has an irregular shape with short, crooked branches in its crown.
  • Smooth bark.
  • Large, dark green, compound leaves arranged like fingers.
  • Showy clusters of bright red (or rarely yellow) flowers in early to late spring (April to June).
  • Buckeye fruits appear in September.

Ecological Role

  • The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and bees.
  • Provides an "elegant dining venue for hungry hummingbirds."

Quirky Facts

  • The tree is named "buckeye" because its poisonous nuts are said to resemble a deer's eye.
  • Chosen as the Plant of the Year for 2014 by GNPS members.
  • The Dwarf Red Buckeye is one of the first plants to leaf out in the spring.

Further Information

  • Arborday.org tree guide
  • Miraclegro.com
  • Monrovia plant details
  • Dave's Garden
  • Post-Gazette.com (Tree Shape & Form)