Contents
Description
Aesculus Parryi, commonly known as Parry’s Buckeye, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in canyons and mountain slopes at elevations of 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The tree can reach a height of 50 feet and a spread of 40 feet. It has a broad, rounded crown and a thick trunk with deeply furrowed bark. Aesculus Parryi produces showy, erect spikes of creamy-white flowers in late spring, which are followed by spiny fruits that contain one or two glossy brown seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Aesculus |
Appearance
Aesculus Parryi has a striking appearance with a broad, rounded crown and a thick trunk that can reach a diameter of 3 feet. The leaves are palmately compound, with five to seven leaflets that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. The leaflets are 3 to 6 inches long and 1.5 to 3 inches wide, with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red before dropping. The tree produces showy, erect spikes of creamy-white flowers in late spring, which are 6 to 12 inches long and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by spiny fruits that contain one or two glossy brown seeds.
Care Guide
Aesculus Parryi is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips to ensure the tree thrives in your garden:- Water: The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, water deeply and infrequently.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Aesculus Parryi is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aesculus Parryi is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues you may encounter:- Leaf scorch: This is caused by hot, dry weather or insufficient water. Ensure the tree receives adequate water during dry periods.- Scale insects: These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.- Leaf miner: This can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Aesculus Parryi is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in canyons and mountain slopes at elevations of 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Aesculus Parryi a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Aesculus Parryi is a good shade tree with a broad, rounded crown.
Q: How tall can Aesculus Parryi grow?
A: Aesculus Parryi can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Q: When does Aesculus Parryi bloom?
A: Aesculus Parryi blooms in late spring.
Q: How do you propagate Aesculus Parryi?
A: Aesculus Parryi can be propagated by seed or by softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Related Plants
– Aesculus californica (California Buckeye)- Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye)- Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)- Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)
References
– “Aesculus Parryi.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287926.- “Aesculus Parryi.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, plants.jstor.org/compilation/Aesculus.Parryi.- “Parry’s Buckeye.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/parrys-buckeye.
