Tree of the Week: The Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

Today we're excited to introduce a new program for the arboretum, Tree of the Week. Our goal is to showcase trees native to the southeast, noting their special characteristics as the seasons change. Some trees are known particularly for their flowers, and so we begin with the red buckeye.

 Tree of the Week: The Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

Although its rich green foliage can be appreciated during the spring and summer, the best time to view this plant is during late winter and earliest spring, when it is flowering. The following photos were taken during the latter part of an exceptionally mild (warm) winter.

The arboretum's original specimens were grown from seeds collected by Ed Leuck at two locations. The first seeds were collected in 1986, at the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve in Bienville Parish. In 1991, he collected additional seeds from Albany Avenue in Shreveport, adding the seedlings in with the original specimens. This copse is doing well today, producing many beautiful blooms. Seedlings from this group have popped up all over the arboretum.

Original specimens

4-year-old volunteer

You can see additional photos of the arboretum's red buckeyes here.


For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
University of Florida IFAS 
University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture