Aesculus pavia Hippocastanaceae Leaves are opposite, deciduous and palmately compound with 5-7 obovate leaflets. Stout light brown twigs show prominent yellow-brown terminal buds and shield shaped leaf scars. Bark is gray to brown and smooth. Flowers are red, showy and attractive to hummingbirds.
Fruit is a capsule and poisonous.
Red buckeye is a shrub found in the understory on rich moist soils in the south and one of the first species to leaf out in the spring. Tolerant of shade. Click on photo to enlarge. All text and photographs are intended for educational purposes only and are not for commercial use in any form. 1999, all rights reserved.