Red buckeye
Aesculus pavia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
120"–180" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A small, low-branching deciduous tree or large shrub with palmate leaves and upright spikes of tubular red flowers in spring. Its rounded, multi-stemmed form and early bloom make it a strong understory or specimen planting.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red buckeye is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- seeds and foliage are toxic if ingested
Wildlife value
The tubular red spring flowers are an important early-season nectar source for migrating hummingbirds and bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Red buckeye need?
- Red buckeye grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Red buckeye bloom?
- Red buckeye blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Red buckeye native?
- Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Red buckeye attract?
- Red buckeye draws hummingbirds and bees.
- Is Red buckeye HOA-friendly?
- Red buckeye is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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.
Ready to grow Red buckeye? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz