Sweet Buckeye
Aesculus flava
Last reviewed: June 2026
Aesculus flava (Sweet Buckeye) is a native deciduous tree found across eastern states from Alabama to New York. It produces showy yellow flower clusters in May and June that attract bees and butterflies.
Sweet 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.
Sweet 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
300"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, GA, IL, IN and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Sweet buckeye is a medium to large native tree that produces showy clusters of yellow flowers in late spring. It develops attractive fall color and distinctive large nuts, making it a beautiful shade tree for larger properties.
Growing Sweet Buckeye
Grow Sweet Buckeye in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 300 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sweet Buckeye takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size (40-75 feet tall and wide)
- Drops messy nuts and leaf litter
- Scale inappropriate for most residential lots
Wildlife value
Host plant for luna moth, banded hairstreak butterfly.
The fragrant flower clusters attract bees and butterflies in May and June. The nuts provide food for squirrels and other wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Sweet Buckeye naturally grow?
- Sweet Buckeye is native to 15 eastern states including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, among others.
- When does Aesculus flava bloom?
- Sweet Buckeye blooms during May and June, producing clusters of yellow flowers.
- What pollinators visit Sweet Buckeye flowers?
- Sweet Buckeye flowers attract bees and butterflies during its spring blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Sweet Buckeye prefer?
- This native tree adapts to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of moisture levels, though it performs best with consistent moisture.
- Is Sweet Buckeye toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Sweet 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 Sweet Buckeye toxic to cats?
- Yes. Sweet 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 Sweet Buckeye toxic to livestock?
- Sweet 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 Sweet Buckeye HOA-friendly?
- Sweet Buckeye takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Sweet Buckeye and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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