Aesculus pavia Red buckeye (Hippocastanaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Aesculus pavia
Red buckeye
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Aesculus pavia plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Louisiana. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Red buckeye.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aesculus pavia
Common Name:  Red buckeye
Family:  Hippocastanaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The seed is rich in saponins[169]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  5   Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Rich moist soils in deciduous woods, on the sides of streams and swamp margins[149, 192, 229].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy[1, 11]. Very shade tolerant, it also succeeds in a sunny position[200]. A very ornamental shrub, when dormant it is hardy to about -15°c[184] though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. It prefers a continental climate, growing best in eastern and southeastern England[200]. Trees are fast-growing in the wild, though they are also short-lived[229]. They can commence flowering when only 1 metre tall[229]. Plants spread by means of suckers[200]. There are a number of named varieties, developed for their ornamental value. Var 'Humilis' is a low growing form[182]. Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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