Red Buckeye
Aesculus pavia
Also known as Scarlet Buckeye, Firecracker Plant, Red Horse-chestnut
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its brilliant red tubular flowers that bloom in spring before the leaves emerge. Native to the southeastern United States, it attracts hummingbirds and is excellent for woodland gardens or as a specimen planting.
Why grow it
Red buckeye offers early spring color before most understory plants leaf out, making it valuable for extending the bloom season in woodland settings. Compared to similar native shrubs like silverbells (Halesia) or redbuds (Cercis), it provides a distinct tubular red flower form that reliably attracts hummingbirds. It tolerates partial shade and moist soils typical of riparian zones while remaining adaptable to various soil types and pH levels.
Watch out for
This plant drops leaves early in the season, typically by late September, which can leave gaps in summer screening; plan surrounding plantings to fill this void. Leaf blotch disease can reduce ornamental appeal in wet years. Leaf, stem, and fruit drop can be messy, so avoid placing it directly over patios or walkways where frequent cleanup is unwanted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its brilliant red tubular flowers that bloom in spring before the leaves emerge. Native to the southeastern United States, it attracts hummingbirds and is excellent for woodland gardens or as a specimen planting.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Buckeye grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red buckeye offers early spring color before most understory plants leaf out, making it valuable for extending the bloom season in woodland settings. Compared to similar native shrubs like silverbells (Halesia) or redbuds (Cercis), it provides a distinct tubular red flower form that reliably attracts hummingbirds. It tolerates partial shade and moist soils typical of riparian zones while remaining adaptable to various soil types and pH levels.
Watch out for
This plant drops leaves early in the season, typically by late September, which can leave gaps in summer screening; plan surrounding plantings to fill this void. Leaf blotch disease can reduce ornamental appeal in wet years. Leaf, stem, and fruit drop can be messy, so avoid placing it directly over patios or walkways where frequent cleanup is unwanted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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