Red buckeye, Scarlet buckeye, Firecracker-plant
Aesculus pavia

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub. It grows to 5 m high and spreads to 3 m across. It has dense cane like branches. The bark is dark grey and smooth. The leaves have leaflets divided like fingers on a hand. The leaves have 5 leaflets. These have sharp teeth. They can be 15 cm long. They are dark glossy green above and turn red in autumn. The flowers are 4 cm long and deep crimson. They are produced in upright spikes. The fruit is rounded and smooth and brown. It encloses 1 or 2 glossy brown seeds.

There are 15 Aesculus species. Also put in the family Hippocastanaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They grow naturally in South-eastern North America from Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana in rich moist soils in deciduous woods. It can grow well in sandy soils. Trees are very shade tolerant but can also grow in sunny positions. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, USA, Tasmania

How it is used for food

Seeds are eaten cooked. They can be dried and ground into a powder and used as a porridge. CAUTION: This plant contains saponins which although poisonous are not normally easily absorbed by the body. It is nevertheless probably no wise to eat large quantities. The saponin can be removed by slow roasting, then crushing and extended washing.

Edible parts

Seeds, nut, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Fresh seed which has not been allowed to dry out should be used. Seed germinates quickly. Trees transplant fairly easily. Plants can be grown by separating the suckers during the dormant time.

Trees are fast-growing but also short-lived. They can commence flowering when only 1 metre tall.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aesculus splendens;