Red Buckeye

From the eastern United States, Aesculus pavia is a large, deciduous shrub of rounded, bushy habit, sometimes a small, conical tree. The glossy, deep green leaves are palmate (like a hand), as befits this relative of the horse chestnut, with 5-7 narrow leaflets, each 5/13cm long. Long, upright panicles, 6/15cm long, of crimson flowers, sometimes marked with yellow, are borne in June and July, and are good for bees. Clusters of light brown, smooth skinned fruits follow in autumn; be aware that these are inedible, even slightly toxic. Red buckeye is good as a lawn specimen in smaller gardens.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any fertile, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Summer and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 16 (5m) Spread: 10 (3m)