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Description
Aesculus Pavia, commonly known as the Scarlet Buckeye, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the family Sapindaceae and is known for its striking red flowers that bloom in early spring.The plant typically grows up to 20 feet tall and has a spread of 15 feet. It has a rounded shape with a dense canopy of palmate leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The Scarlet Buckeye produces a brown, leathery fruit that contains one or two large seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota ||——–|———–|| Kingdom | Plantae|| Phylum | Angiosperms || Class | Eudicots || Order | Sapindales || Family | Sapindaceae || Genus | Aesculus |
Appearance
The Scarlet Buckeye has large, palmate leaves that are deep green in color and turn yellow in the fall. It produces showy, red flowers in early spring that are arranged in upright clusters. The flowers have a tubular shape with five petals that form a slightly curved corolla. The fruit is a brown, leathery capsule that contains one or two large seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Aesculus Pavia, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full to partial sun and requires regular watering during the growing season. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.The Scarlet Buckeye is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate a range of soil types. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Scarlet Buckeye is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker if the plant is stressed or growing in poor conditions. To prevent these issues, maintain good soil health and provide adequate water and sunlight.
Habitat
Aesculus Pavia is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in the understory of deciduous forests, along streams and rivers, and in swamps and wetlands. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Scarlet Buckeye be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Scarlet Buckeye can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the root system and the plant is provided with adequate water and sunlight.
Q: Does Scarlet Buckeye attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Scarlet Buckeye is attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Q: How do I propagate Scarlet Buckeye?
A: Scarlet Buckeye can be propagated through seed or hardwood cuttings taken in the fall.
Q: Is Scarlet Buckeye toxic?
A: Yes, all parts of the Scarlet Buckeye plant are toxic if ingested.
Related Plants
– Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye)- Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)- Aesculus flava (Yellow Buckeye)
References
– “Aesculus pavia Scarlet Buckeye.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c820.- “Scarlet Buckeye.” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aesculus-pavia/.
