Aesculus pavia

Common Names

Red Buckeye, Firecracker Plant, Scarlet Buckeye

Summary

Red Buckeye is a small North American native understory tree or large shrub in the Sapindaceae family, forming multi‑stemmed, rounded forms and typically reaching about 15–20 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide. It has opposite, palmately compound leaves with 5–7 leaflets and glossy dark green foliage; in spring it displays red tubular flowers in panicles that attract hummingbirds and bees, followed by smooth brown seed capsules containing seeds that are poisonous.

Preferring moist, well‑drained soils, it tolerates light from full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to acidic through neutral pH, with hardiness in USDA zones 4–8. It is relatively low maintenance and suitable as a specimen, in woodland gardens, shade borders, stream banks, or wildlife-friendly plantings; propagation is by seed or cuttings, and it may drop leaves in hot summers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-20 feet

Spread

15-25 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to full shade, tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.5–7.5.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds