Aesculus parviflora: Bottlebrush Buckeye

This document is part of a series originally authored by Edward Gilman.

Introduction

Bottlebrush buckeye is a deciduous shrub that is native to Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. This shrub has a rounded growth habit and reaches a height of 10 feet, and a spread of up to 15 feet (Figure 1). It has palmately-compound leaves (Figure 2), which display showy fall coloration (Figure 3). The plant also produces a showy summer display featuring masses of small, tubular white flowers arranged on upright cylindrical panicles (Figure 4). These panicles can range from 6 to 12 inches long and are displayed above the foliage (Figure 5). The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators. This plant is well suited as a specimen, screen, foundation, or border plant.

General Information

Scientific name: Aesculus parviflora

Pronunciation: ESS-kew-lus par-vif-FLOR-uh

Common name(s): bottlebrush buckeye

Family: Sapindaceae

Plant type: shrub

USDA hardiness zones: 5A through 9A (Figures 6 and 7)

Planting month for zone 7: year-round

Planting month for zone 8: year-round

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Origin: not native to Florida

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Uses: specimen; screen; foundation; border; attracts pollinators

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Use and Management

Bottlebrush buckeye thrives in partial to full shade. It is a moderately drought and flood tolerant species and may be planted in a variety of soil conditions. Consider the full size of this plant when placing it in the landscape, as this spreading shrub looks best in its natural unpruned shape. Fall coloration is yellow, occasionally developing into a short-lived showy display. Bottlebrush buckeye is an excellent plant for shaded or wet areas in the landscape and is highly attractive to pollinators. Care should be used with this plant around pets and children, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, especially the nuts produced in the fall.

Design Considerations

Bottlebrush buckeye works well as a background or massing plant to highlight the forms and colors of companion plants and block undesirable views. The fine texture and medium leaves of the buckeye will show well with contrasting plant features such as large leaves, coarse texture, thick stems, and dark green or burgundy color. Other contrasting textures include thin blades and clumping, arching forms of grasses and other vase-shaped, small-leaved shrubs. Contrasting size and shape such as low-growing groundcover with a sprawling, mounding form will emphasize the upright, arching shape of buckeye. To create large plant masses, select plants with similar characteristics that blend with the buckeye.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases of major concern.