Red Buckeye
Aesculus pavia var. pavia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Red Buckeye is a small native tree blooming March through May with bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Found throughout the southeastern and south-central United States.
Red Buckeye is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Red Buckeye is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–180" H × 72"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red Buckeye is a small native Texas tree that produces clusters of bright red tubular flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It grows 10-15 feet tall with a rounded canopy and provides excellent shade for smaller spaces. The tree goes dormant in summer drought, losing its leaves early but returning reliably each spring.
Growing Red Buckeye
Grow Red Buckeye in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 180 inches tall and spread 72 to 144 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Buckeye is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
- Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
- Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.
Wildlife value
The bright red flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and also attract butterflies and native bees. Seeds provide food for wildlife, though they are toxic to humans and pets.
Common questions
- When does Red Buckeye bloom?
- Aesculus pavia var. pavia typically blooms from March through May, producing clusters of bright red tubular flowers.
- What pollinators visit Red Buckeye?
- Red Buckeye attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The bright red tubular flowers are especially well-adapted for hummingbird pollination.
- Where is Red Buckeye native?
- Red Buckeye is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
- What growing conditions does Red Buckeye prefer?
- Red Buckeye tolerates partial sun to shade conditions and adapts to various moisture levels. It naturally grows as an understory tree in woodlands and forest edges.
- Is Red Buckeye toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Red Buckeye is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Red Buckeye toxic to cats?
- Yes. Red Buckeye is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Red Buckeye toxic to livestock?
- Red Buckeye is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Red Buckeye HOA-friendly?
- Red Buckeye is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Red Buckeye and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.