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Yellow Buckeye

Yellow Buckeye

Yellow Buckeye

Aesculus Flava/Octandra

A beautiful, ornamental, shade tree native to eastern USA. Comparable, if not superior, to the Common Horsechestnut for its elegance but strangely always overlooked for planting in New Brunswick. Exceptional flower display in late spring with erect clusters of yellow flowers over 6 inches tall. Huge buds unfurl attractive leaves that are large and palmately compound in form turning orange in fall. Fruits ripen in fall releasing up to 2 inch diameter shiny, brown seeds marked with a spot that resembles a buck’s eye – hence the name. Insect pollinated flowers contain both male and female parts and provide a source of nectar for bees and hummingbirds. Not susceptible to leaf scorch like the Horsechestnut. Tricky to transplant due to a strong taproot.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to North America

Height

Large (60-100ft)

Width

Moderate

Form

Oval

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Long (over 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Slightly Alkaline, Wet

Other Tolerances

Occasional Flooding, Road Salt, Urban Pollution

Ornamental Interest

Buds, Flowers (attractive), Leaves (colour), Seeds

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Hummingbirds (flowers), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Casts Deep Shade, Messy Seed Litter, Tricky to Transplant