How to identify Painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica)

Photo By supertiger , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica)

Painted buckeye is distinguished by its stature, which varies between shrub and tree forms reaching heights of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters). It stands out with early-spring foliage, unfolding palmate leaves that may exhibit an initial reddish hue. By September, this deciduous plant often sheds its leaves. The flowers bloom prominently in vertical clusters, with petals typically hued in greenish-yellow, though pink or red may also be present. Leaf-out occurs in the March-April window.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Painted buckeye

Height ranges from 10-20 feet (3-6 meters), varying between shrub and tree forms.

Leaves initially red, later yellow-green with serrated margins and double serrations occasionally.

Flowers in panicles, 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long, with yellow-green, cream, or pink hues.

Fruit has rounded form with a husk containing 1-3 robust seeds, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter.

Stout stem with large leaf scars, raised lenticels, and distinctive rough texture.

Detailed Traits of Painted buckeye

Leaf Features

Painted buckeye features palmately compound leaves with 5 oblong-obovate leaflets. Each leaflet is 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) wide, tapering at both the apex and base. Initially reddish, the leaves change to yellow-green with yellow to orange midveins and green undersides. The margins are serrated, occasionally doubly serrated. Young leaves are pubescent, becoming smooth as they mature. The tree leafs out and drops its leaves early.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of painted buckeye are arranged in panicles lasting from March to April, measuring 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long. Each cluster contains both bisexual and male flowers, with male flowers typically near the base. Individual bell-shaped flowers are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long, showcasing a color palette that includes shades of yellow, yellow-green, cream, pink, or even red. These characteristics make painted buckeye's flowers easily recognizable during their blooming period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Painted buckeye features a stout stem that is light brown or gray in color, prominently marked by raised lenticels. The stem has a substantial, sturdy appearance with a broad diameter, usually about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Large, opposite shield-shaped leaf scars are easily noticeable, and the large, pointed buds are a distinctive orange-brown. The texture is slightly rough, adding to its distinguishing characteristics. This sturdy structure often helps painted buckeye support its large, compound leaves.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of painted buckeye presents as a noteworthy specimen, easily distinguishable by its rounded form. Encased in a smooth husk that reveals a tripartite structure upon maturation, it typically houses a singular, chestnut brown seed. However, it can occasionally contain up to three seeds. Each seed is robust, measuring 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter. As summer wanes, these fruits reach full maturity, signaling the late summer months with their development.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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