Red Buckeye
Red buckeye is a small deciduous tree that attracts pollinators to its tubular bright red flowers in the spring.
Native to the Southeast United States, this Florida-Friendly tree makes an excellent addition to a pollinator garden or as a specimen plant in landscapes too small for larger trees.
Characteristics
Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) generally grows 15 to 20 feet high in the home landscape and 25 to 30 feet tall in the wild. The leaves appear dark green and smooth on top, and pale green underneath. Its trunk and branches add unique visual interest, with light gray/brown, smooth bark that begins to peel with age. When it drops its leaves in winter, the red buckeye’s coarse, open structure adds appeal to what can otherwise be a dull landscape.
Showy red or burgundy blooms appear in spring and grow approximately 1.5 inches wide, arranged in clusters. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees feed on the nectar from the flowers. The tree also produces round leathery capsules that contain shiny brown seeds. A delight for squirrels, the small, hard fruits appear in mid-summer and attract other mammals as well.
Planting and Care
Red buckeye is suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 6A through 9A. The plant can be started from seed easily and will begin flowering after three years of growth. It can also be purchased at a nursery as a young tree. Shade-tolerant red buckeye can be grown near taller trees or buildings but looks best when planted in an open area where its low-growing branches can fully develop to the ground. It thrives in partial shade in well-drained to occasionally wet soil. Red buckeye can be planted any time of the year, as long as regular irrigation is applied during establishment. It’s not very drought tolerant and should be watered during dry spells.
Plant red buckeye in woodland areas or along ponds and streams for a tranquil landscape. Or add it to a wildlife garden to attract local pollinators or mammals to feed on its fruit, nectar, and seeds. This small tree can even serve as a hedge or shrubbery border and is perfect for accenting other plants.
While this plant has many interesting features, it should be planted with caution. All parts of the tree are poisonous to humans and toxic to pets if ingested.
Red buckeye is a unique tree that offers both texture and color to the landscape with its peeling bark and bright red blooms. This native could be the perfect shade-tolerant tree to draw wildlife to your yard.