Red Buckeye

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a small, often multi-trunked deciduous tree or large shrub native to the southeastern United States. Upright clusters of bright red flowers appear in spring and attract hummingbirds; large palmate leaves form an open, coarse-textured canopy and may drop early in fall. ## Landscape Use Plant it as a specimen or in a woodland border, naturalized area, or wildlife garden where spring flowers can be seen and early leaf drop is less conspicuous. The [University of Florida IFAS profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST064) reports a cultivated height of 15–20 feet and spread of 15–25 feet. It also describes use as a patio tree, shade tree, or shrubbery-border accent. ## Growing Conditions Red buckeye prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, though it can grow in full sun. Its native range spans the southeastern United States; university references differ on hardiness at the warm edge, so local climate matters. The spring flowers are followed by round capsules containing bitter, poisonous seeds. Leaves and fruit can create seasonal litter, and leaf blotch may occur. Do not confuse this species with the European horse chestnut or other buckeyes, which have different mature sizes and hardiness. ## Maintenance UF/IFAS notes that pruning may be needed to develop a strong structure; establish the desired framework while the tree is young. Remove fallen leaves or capsules where they create a nuisance, and keep the poisonous seeds away from children and pets.