Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

Also known as: Woolly buckeye

Aesculus pavia, known as the red buckeye or firecracker plant, is a flowering shrub or small tree indigenous to the southeastern and midwestern United States. It stands out with its vibrant red flowers that bloom in spring, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

**Key Points**:
- **Common Names**: Red buckeye, firecracker plant.
- **Attracts**: Pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
- **Toxicity**: Seeds and other parts are poisonous if ingested.
- **Uses**: Primarily ornamental, can also be used to make soap.

The plant typically reaches heights of 10-20 feet and has palmate leaves with five leaflets. Its smooth, round capsules contain 1-3 toxic seeds known as buckeyes.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Red buckeye

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

5 m to 8 m

Spread

3.5 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Red Yellow

Images of Red buckeye

Quickly Identify Red buckeye

Oppositely arranged, palmately compound leaves with 5 leaflets (4-8 inches long).

Eye-catching inflorescences of tubular, red flowers forming erect clusters in early spring.

Smooth, light tan leathery fruit capsules (1-3 inches wide) containing shiny brown seeds.

Stout stem with olive-brown color, prominent raised lenticels for breathing pores.

Distinctive grey-brown trunk with splotchy markings, transitioning from smooth to scaly bark texture.

Scientific Classification of Red buckeye

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Sapindales

Family

Soapberry

Genus

Buckeye

Species

Red buckeye

Planting and Growing of Red buckeye

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Red buckeye?

Aesculus pavia prefers moderate watering, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. The principle is to water until the soil around the roots is thoroughly soaked, usually requiring about 250 ml per session, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red buckeye?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Aesculus pavia grows best with full to partial sun exposure. Ideal light ensures vibrant growth and blooming. Maintaining a balanced light exposure encourages energy production and robust development.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red buckeye?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Aesculus pavia is between 60°F to 75°F. This temperature range provides a conducive environment for the plant’s growth, ensuring optimal metabolic and physiological processes. These temperatures mimic the conditions of its native habitats, enabling the plant to thrive without experiencing stress.

What Soil is Best for Red buckeye?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aesculus pavia thrives best in well-drained soil, which helps prevent root rot and ensures adequate oxygen for the roots. It's important as it allows the plant to absorb nutrients effectively without suffocating. Although well-drained, the soil should also retain enough moisture to sustain Aesculus pavia during dry spells. This balance is crucial for maintaining the plant’s hydration without waterlogging. Nutrient-rich soil supports robust growth and vibrant blooms in Aesculus pavia. A fertile soil ensures a steady supply of essential nutrients, boosting overall plant health and resilience. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Red buckeye?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Aesculus pavia, it's crucial to provide a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio around 10-10-10. Utilize about one cup of granular fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil around the plant, ensuring even distribution. For liquid fertilizer, follow the manufacturer's instructions but aim for a dilution that supports the seasonal growth demands. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Red buckeye?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve the overall health of the plant. Shape the Aesculus pavia by cutting back longer shoots and ensuring an open and balanced center, allowing sunlight and air to penetrate throughout. When pruning, make clean cuts at an angle just above a healthy bud to promote new growth. Ensure you don't remove more than a third of the plant at any time to avoid stressing it. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Red buckeye plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Spring

Gather mature seeds from Aesculus pavia fruits in autumn. Seeds should be collected as soon as they ripen to ensure their viability.

Prepare a high-quality soil mix with proper drainage. A combination of sand, peat, and perlite enhances the soil structure, ensuring proper root growth.

Plant the seeds in seed trays at a depth of 1 inch. Cover with soil and keep the medium consistently moist until germination occurs.

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How to Repot Red buckeye plant?

Repotting frequency: Once every 2-3 years

Aesculus pavia, also known as the Red Buckeye, signals the need for repotting when its roots start poking through the drainage holes, or when water takes too long to drain after watering. Spring and early summer are the best times for this, as the plant is in its growth phase and can recover swiftly from repotting stress.

Select a pot that’s 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Opt for pots with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil, which could lead to root rot. Clay pots can be advantageous as they allow excess moisture to evaporate more efficiently compared to plastic ones.

A well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter is ideal. This helps retain necessary moisture without becoming soggy. The presence of materials like perlite or vermiculite can improve aeration and prevent compacting, thus encouraging healthy root growth.

Toxicity of Red buckeye

Is Red buckeye toxic to humans?

Every component of the red buckeye is infused with toxic glycosides and saponins, leading to severe health complications. Ingesting significant quantities of this plant can result in a variety of symptoms, including disorientation, muscle cramps, agitation, depression, gastrointestinal distress, colicky pain, nausea, diarrhea, oral irritation and swelling, weakness, paralysis, and in some cases, coma. It appears that humans may accidentally consume the seeds, and the leaves can also be unwittingly ingested when brewed into tea, which is a primary factor for poisoning incidents. Another risk involves small children placing parts of the plant in their mouths, underscoring the need to keep them away from this tree.

Is Red buckeye toxic to cat?

The red buckeye is highly poisonous to cats, presenting a significant threat to these animals since consuming any portion of the plant can lead to toxicity. Following ingestion, affected cats might display various symptoms of serious physical distress, potentially signifying more profound health complications. It is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care if there is any suspicion of red buckeye poisoning in a cat. Vigilant observation and swift intervention can help reduce the dangers linked to this plant's toxicity.

Is Red buckeye toxic to dog?

Red buckeye presents a significant toxicity threat to dogs. Ingesting any part of this plant can result in poisoning. Dog owners must remain alert, as all components of red buckeye are toxic, and ingestion risks arise when a dog chews or eats any segment of the plant. Signs of poisoning may include gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, dilated pupils, and potentially more serious symptoms due to its high toxicity. If you believe your dog has consumed red buckeye, it is crucial to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to secure the best possible outcome for your pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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