Painted Buckeye
(Aesculus sylvatica)
Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica)
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Dcrjsr
CC BY 3.0
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Dcrjsr
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CC BY 3.0
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Photo by: Dcrjsr | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: Dcrjsr | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Painted_buckeye_Aesculus_sylvatica_flowers_leaves.jpg |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aesculus sylvatica, commonly known as Painted Buckeye, is a deciduous understory shrub or small tree native to the understory of rich, moist deciduous forests in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters) and a width of 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.6 meters), although it can reach up to 30 feet (9 meters) under ideal conditions. The Painted Buckeye is notable for its palmately compound leaves and erect panicles of flowers that are variable in color, including cream, yellow, green, pink, red, and white, blooming in early spring. The flowers are showy and attract a variety of pollinators. The plant also produces smooth, leathery capsules containing seeds that are toxic if ingested.
Painted Buckeye is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and shaded borders. It is also used for its wildlife value, as it provides nectar for early-season butterflies and other insects. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate heavy clay soils. While it does best in part shade, it can also adapt to full shade conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its toxic seeds and take care not to plant it where they could be ingested by children or pets.CC BY-SA 4.0
Painted Buckeye is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and shaded borders. It is also used for its wildlife value, as it provides nectar for early-season butterflies and other insects. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate heavy clay soils. While it does best in part shade, it can also adapt to full shade conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its toxic seeds and take care not to plant it where they could be ingested by children or pets.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 6-30 feet
- Width: 6-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist deciduous forests in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Georgia Buckeye, Dwarf Buckeye
Scientific Names: , Aesculus sylvatica, Aesculus ×neglecta var. tomentosa, Aesculus georgiana, Aesculus ×neglecta var. pubescens, Aesculus ×neglecta var. georgiana, Aesculus ×neglecta var. lanceolata, Aesculus georgiana var. lanceolata, Aesculus georgiana var. pubescens, Aesculus microcarpa
GBIF Accepted Name: Aesculus sylvatica W.Bartram