February's Flower of the Month

Red Buckeye

(Aesculus pavia)

Early in February the red buckeye starts leafing out. Opposite, compound leaves with five to seven leaflets make identification easy. Leaves have dark red petioles (leaf stalks) and central veins.  

Three- to six-inch elongated clusters of bright red flowers bloom at the tips of the branches in early spring and attract early-returning ruby-throated hummingbirds. Round, one- to two-inch brown seeds attract squirrels and mammals but are toxic to humans and pets. Planted in moist soil, seeds will germinate easily and plants will begin flowering after about three years. In the Deep South it usually remains a shrub or small tree not more than ten feet tall. However, in the northern extent of its range it may reach 25 feet tall. 

Culture Red buckeye is at home in rich deciduous woodlands, low mixed hammocks, and river banks throughout the South. It does best in moist, well-drained soil and partial sun, and is at its best as an understory plant. Coastal winds will burn leaves. No pests or diseases are of major concern. 

Comments Red buckeye can be used as a novelty patio tree or as part of a shrubbery border. Branches develop near the ground, but they can be removed for a more treelike appearance if desired. Trees lose leaves as early as August, but leaf out very early in the spring. 

A few cultivars of red buckeye can be found. ‘Atrosanquinea’ has deeper red flowers and ‘Humilis’ is a low or more prostrate shrub with red flowers in small clusters. Variation in the species is tremendous, and some plants have yellow or white flowers.

At a Glance

Say: ES-kew-lus PAH-vee-uh (or PAY-vee-uh) 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9

Salt tolerance: Slight

Family: Hippocastanaceae (Buckeye)  

Size: 15-20 ft. tall/15-20 ft. wide

Other common names: Firecracker plant, scarlet buckeye

Origin: Southeastern United States

Relatives: Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut); A. californica (California buckeye)

Propagation: Fresh seeds; woody stem cuttings

 Click here for list of plants in archives.