Red Buckeye
Best native plant for attracting pollinators to a home garden.
The Red Buckeye (_Aesculus pavia_) is a charming flowering small tree, reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet, making it a delightful addition to any garden. Its vibrant red blooms in spring are a magnet for hummingbirds. Typically found in wooded valleys and along streams, this tree prefers moist conditions and can be susceptible to leaf scorching if planted in overly dry areas. While its roots have been used in soap making, it's important to note that the seeds are toxic if ingested. This tree thrives in various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and prefers average, well-drained soil.
$34.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
687
/ 1807
#687 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Mature Height
1215
/ - feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners eager to attract and support local wildlife, especially hummingbirds.
- Homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial, and deer-resistant plant.
- Landscapers needing a flowering tree for shadier areas of their property.
Who should skip it
- Families with young children or pets needing a completely non-toxic garden environment.
- Neat-freak gardeners preferring tidy landscapes with minimal seasonal debris.
- Gardeners desiring quick-growing trees for immediate landscape impact and shade.
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
Vibrant red blooms act as a high-traffic magnet for hummingbirds.
Site Versatility
Adapts gracefully to light conditions ranging from full sun to shade.
Soil Adaptability
Robust enough to handle heavy clay soils with minimal fuss.
Landscape Integration
Compact stature makes it perfect for smaller garden footprints.
Moisture Sensitivity
Requires consistent hydration to prevent unsightly leaf scorching in summer.
Safety Profile
Toxic seeds require careful placement away from pets and children.
Key Specs
Mature Height
12-15 feet
Container Size
1 Gallon
Bloom Time
April, May
Bloom Color
Red
Soil Moisture
Medium
Soil Type
Average, medium, well-drained. Tolerates clay.
Hardiness Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Requirements
Part shade, Part Sun, Full sun
Features
- Attracts Hummingbirds with Bright Red Blooms
- Suitable for Various Light Conditions
- Tolerates Clay Soil
- Container Grown Option Available
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Red Buckeye plants received from Direct Native Plants. Many reviews highlight the plants arriving healthy, well packaged, and robust, often exceeding expectations in size and vigor. This consistent quality contributes significantly to a strong sense of value for money, as buyers feel confident in the plant's ability to establish and thrive. The overall sentiment reflects high satisfaction with the product's condition and its promising start in new gardens.
Know before you buy
At maturity, the Red Buckeye generally reaches a height of 12 to 15 feet. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for smaller garden spaces or as an understory tree.
Yes, the Red Buckeye is known for its ability to tolerate clay soil. Ensure the planting site provides average, well-drained conditions to help the tree establish successfully.
This tree is quite versatile and performs well in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. While it is adaptable, ensure it receives consistent moisture, as it can be prone to leaf scorch if the soil becomes too dry.
While the Red Buckeye is a beautiful addition to a landscape, it is important to note that its seeds are toxic if ingested. It is best to plant it in an area where children or pets are unlikely to consume the seeds.
The Red Buckeye typically blooms in April and May. These vibrant red flowers are a primary draw for hummingbirds, making the tree a great choice for supporting local pollinators.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$35