Yellow Buckeye
aesculus flava
Also known as: ["Yellow Buckeye","Ohio Buckeye"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its large, yellow flowers and smooth, gray bark.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Aesculus |
| Botanical Name: | Aesculus flava |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers space for growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–28 to 43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate: remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Young plants benefit from partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot regions. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure shade during peak heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth if needed; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay; ensure good aeration; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but thrives in temperate climates.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or softwood cuttings. Seeds require stratification for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Seeds: Collect, stratify, sow.
- Cuttings: Take, treat with hormone, plant, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring for cuttings; fall for seeds (stratify over winter).
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Seed: moist sand or peat; Cuttings: well-draining mix with perlite or vermiculite.
Hormone
Recommended for cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Seeds: 3–6 months (stratification + germination); Cuttings: 4–8 weeks for roots, 6–12 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for better germination; maintain consistent moisture; protect cuttings from direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading back to control size; remove crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow. Prune to maintain a balanced form.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop or dormancy. Frost can damage young shoots and buds.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in freezing conditions; avoid planting in exposed, windy areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Stress can weaken the plant over time.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season, avoiding winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAesculus flava is toxic to cats, with ingestion leading to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The plant's toxic compounds can cause significant distress and potential systemic effects, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic compounds in Aesculus flava can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms in dogs. The saponins and other toxins disrupt normal cellular processes, leading to distress and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAesculus flava, commonly known as yellow buckeye, contains saponins and other toxic compounds that can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with cellular functions and can lead to severe physiological effects, particularly in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Yellow Buckeye toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does the Yellow Buckeye attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and seeds.
Q: How tall does the Yellow Buckeye grow?
A: It can grow up to 60 feet tall in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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