SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 886.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "886" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

red buckeye

Scientific Name: Aesculus pavia var. pavia

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 appreciated for its vibrant red flowers and adaptability as either a small tree or a large shrub. It's also known as the Firecracker Plant or Scarlet Buckeye.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions "poisonous nuts." While not explicitly stated, it's worth noting that the plant produces nuts.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions "poisonous nuts." While not explicitly stated, it's worth noting that the plant produces nuts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aesculus pavia
  • Common Names: Red Buckeye, Scarlet Buckeye, Firecracker Plant
  • Family: Hippocastanaceae (Horse Chestnut Family)
  • Variety: Aesculus pavia var. pavia (with red flowers)

Distribution and Habitat

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

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub or small tree with an irregular rounded crown.
  • Typically grows to 10-20 feet tall, but can reach 25-30 feet in the wild.
  • Moderate growth rate.
  • Often multi-stemmed.
  • Has an irregular shape with short, crooked branches in its crown.
  • Bark is smooth.
  • Showy clusters of bright red flowers in early to late spring (April to June).
  • Buckeye fruits appear in September.
  • Leaves are large, dark green, and compound, arranged like fingers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Flowers attract hummingbirds and bees.
  • Provides an "elegant dining venue" for hummingbirds.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "buckeye" comes from the poisonous nuts that resemble a deer's eye.

Further Information

  • Arbor Day Foundation: arborday.org (offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference)
  • Miracle-Gro: Miraclegro.com (information on growing Red Buckeye Trees to create a hummingbird friendly habitat)
  • Monrovia: Provides details and information on Monrovia plants.
  • Dave's Garden: A community for sharing tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants.