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Mertensia virginica en masse.
Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free
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Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)

Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) leaf buds
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) leaves opening
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) with red berries
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) flowers in May
Palmately compound leaves of southeastern U.S. native Aesculus pavia
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) fruit
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) leaves in November

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Native mostly to the southeastern United States,* this understory tree is found in woods and along streams. Its common name refers to shiny seeds called buckeyes, which are encased in husked seed capsules. Its showy flowers, suggestive of firecrackers, have led to its alternative name, Firecracker Plant. Tree Shrub, Tree, Flowers, Seed Capsules, Fruit Height: 12–15 feet Spread: 12–15 feet Bloom color: Bright red Characteristics Clump-forming, deciduous large shrub/small tree with irregular rounded crown Glossy, dark green leaves are palmate with five coarsely-toothed leaflets up to 6 inches long Showy 4- to 10-inch upright clusters of deep red, tubular flowers bloom for 2 weeks in mid-spring Smooth, tan-brown, husked seed capsule encloses 1–3 shiny brown fruits that mature in fall Leaves yellow by summer’s end and drop early Attributes Tolerates clay soil; intolerant of drought; no serious pests but leaf blotch can be a major problem (remove fallen leaves promptly and place in the trash); deer rarely damage Ethnobotanic uses; plant may be harmful if eaten Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies; bark, foliage, and seeds are toxic to mammalian herbivore Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil requirements: Acidic, well-drained soil Albizia julibrissin - Mimosa Light requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Paulownia tomentosa - Princess Tree Water requirements: Moist Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste Tree Overwatering can lead to leaf-spot diseases Place for spring visibility, but less noticeable location after leaf drop; protect from afternoon sun Use as a specimen or hedge, or in a rain garden Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8 *It is not native to the Mid-Atlantic Region. developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Alyssa Ford Morel (shrub), Mary Free (flowers, seed capsule), and Elaine Mills (mature fruit), Glencarlyn Library and by Elaine Mills (April and September trees), Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, VA

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic 

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Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)

Native mostly to the southeastern United States,* this understory tree is found in woods and along streams. Its common name refers to shiny seeds called buckeyes, which are encased in husked seed capsules. Its showy flowers, suggestive of firecrackers, have led to its alternative name, Firecracker Plant.

*It is not locally native to the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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