Its at its most gorgeous in spring and early summer when its blooms stay on the tree for weeks.
The seed is considered a good luck charm, even though it is toxic if eaten.
Its brilliant flowers last for weeks in the spring.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Red buckeye is a good accent plant for shady areas.
Pair it with other natives likeAmerican beautyberry, and youll have an ecosystem that feeds and shelters wildlife.
The seeds and young leaves of red buckeye trees are toxic to humans, pets, and livestockwhen ingested.
Its not often found in retail nurseries but can be obtained at nurseries specializing in native plants.
It grows best in well-drained soil and partial shade.
Red Buckeye Tree Care Tips
Growing this native tree is relatively simple.
Here’s what red buckeyes need to thrive.
Light
Red buckeye treeprefers partial shadebut can handle some full sun.
The flowers are the reason you want the tree in your landscape.
It can even grow in tough clay or sand-heavy soils that are slightly acidic.
However, red buckeye grows best in rich, moist,well-drained soil.
In the wild, youll find red buckeye growing along riverbeds, but it can tolerate some drought.
Dont worry; the red buckeye is not dead.
Its just done for the season and now provides architectural form to your landscape.
It grows best in areas of average humidity, as high humidity can cause fungal issues.
Fertilizer
When the red buckeye tree is being established, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
The red buckeye tree blooms on new wood.
Inspect the tree regularly for unexplained leaf spots or sticky residue.
The seeds are toxic and are avoided by most wildlife, although squirrels can safely eat them.
Plant the seeds to grow more red buckeye trees.
Red buckeye trees have a slow to moderate growth rate.
Its found only in a few counties in central Texas.
Its smaller than the other red buckeye variety, growing from 5 to 15 feet tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sowing a red buckeye tree seed results in a blooming plant in three years.
However, it is a favorite of hummingbirds, who are attracted to the red buckeye’s nectar-rich blooms.
