Aesculus pavia

Red Buckeye

This short tree or shrub naturally occurs along streambanks and moist forest understories. It grows best in rich, moist soils. In April, its pikes of showy red flowers, four to eight inches long, are pollinated by ruby-throated hummingbirds. Usually a single-stemmed, rather open shrub, this buckeye is fast-growing and can be short-lived. The palmate leaves offer great texture but the foliage drops naturally in late summer. Brown, egg-shaped fruit in the fall. A good accent plant for large shaded areas, especially when planted in small groves.

Height 10-20 Feet

Spread 10-20 Feet

Bloom/Seasonal Color Red

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Grow in sun or part shade in moist soil.

Good Companions Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Wild Sweet William (Phlox divaricata), River Birch (Betula nigra)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation • FAC+	Nature Attracting • Hummingbird	Season of Interest • Mid (May-June)
Soil Moisture • High • Moderate	Special Features • Nuts	Sun Exposure • Medium Sun/Average Shade • Shade
USFS MO Ecological Map • Ozark Highlands	Wildlife Benefit • Nesting • Cover