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Description
Aesculus Sylvatica is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is commonly known as the painted buckeye or painted horse chestnut. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The plant has an upright form and a round crown. The foliage of the tree is dark green and shiny, with leaves that are 5-7 inches long and 3-5 inches wide. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow to orange-red.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Aesculus |
Appearance
The Aesculus Sylvatica tree has a gray-brown bark that becomes scaly and furrowed as the tree ages. The tree produces showy flowers that are pink to red in color, with yellow throats. The flowers bloom in spring and are followed by fruit that is a spiny capsule, containing one or two shiny brown seeds. The tree is a great addition to any landscape, providing shade and visual interest throughout the year.
Care Guide
The Aesculus Sylvatica tree prefers moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The tree requires regular watering during the first few years of growth to establish a deep root system. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of hardiness zones from 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Aesculus Sylvatica tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the foliage and weaken the tree. The most common diseases that affect the tree are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker. Proper care and maintenance of the tree can help prevent these pests and diseases from affecting the plant.
Habitat
The Aesculus Sylvatica tree is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in the wild in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The tree prefers moist, well-draining soil and can be found in wooded areas, along streams, and in swamps.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Aesculus Sylvatica tree fast-growing?
A: No, the Aesculus Sylvatica tree is a slow-growing tree, growing only 1-2 feet per year.
Q: Can the Aesculus Sylvatica tree be grown in containers?
A: While the Aesculus Sylvatica tree can be grown in containers, it is not recommended as the tree requires a large amount of space to grow and can become root-bound in a container.
Q: Does the Aesculus Sylvatica tree require pruning?
A: The Aesculus Sylvatica tree does not require pruning, but can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: How often should the Aesculus Sylvatica tree be fertilized?
A: The Aesculus Sylvatica tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Aesculus Hippocastanum
- Aesculus Pavia
- Aesculus Parviflora
- Aesculus Glabra
References
- “Aesculus sylvatica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d240.
- “Aesculus sylvatica.” Plant Database. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AESY.
- “Aesculus sylvatica.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed September 22, 2021. http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/painted-buckeye.
