Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)

Bottlebrush buckeye

Also known as: Dwarf buckeye

Bottlebrush buckeye is a deciduous shrub that is recognized as one of the greatest summer-flowering shrubs. It features multiple stems, dense foliage, and upright, spectacular white flowers with crimson and rosy stamens, which captivate hummingbirds and butterflies. This tree is ideal to grow as a point of focus in the garden or landscape.

Scientific classification

Species

Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

1.8 m to 3 m

Plant Height

2.5 m to 4.5 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Bronze

Leaf Color

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Brown, Green, Silver

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of Bottlebrush buckeye

Distribution of Bottlebrush buckeye

Distribution Map

Bottlebrush buckeye is native to the southeastern region of North America. Its range has broadened through cultivation, marking its presence in temperate zones across many continents. In Europe, the plant has been introduced and thrives, especially in regions with a compatible climate for its growth and cultivation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Wooded bluffs, rich woods, streamside, coastal plain

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Bottlebrush buckeye is a dense, flowering shrub chosen for gardens for its striking foliage, beautiful flowers, and tolerance for shade. It is a good choice as an understory plant in flowering shade gardens, or as a specimen plant. It is also water-loving and can be a great addition to rain gardens.

Symbolism

Good luck

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Every part of bottlebrush buckeye contains toxic glycosides and saponins, causing severe illness in humans, and dogs and cats experience mild toxicity if ingested in large amounts. Major causes of human poisoning include mistakenly eating roasted nuts and children ingesting parts of the plant. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets suspected of consuming bottlebrush buckeye.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Bottlebrush buckeye

Creamy white spidery flowers in 6-12 inch (15-30 cm) panicles with striking red anthers.

Oppositely arranged palmately compound leaves with 5-7 oblong leaflets, turning golden yellow in fall.

Distinctive pear-shaped fruit in smooth capsules with a polished brown seed and pale 'buck eye' scar.

Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub/tree, 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters) tall spreading 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 meters) wide.

Gray-brown stem with raised lenticels, 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) in diameter, buds with 4 scales.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Bottlebrush buckeye

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Bottlebrush buckeye, native to the southeastern United States, prefers moist, well-drained soils and consistent hydration, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. Ideal for outdoor cultivation, it benefits from mulching to retain moisture, particularly during its active growing season.

Fertilize: For bottlebrush buckeye, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring enhances health and flowering. Use high nitrogen cautiously to avoid excessive foliage. Fertilize lightly as per label instructions, reduce frequency after blooming, and water thoroughly post-application for optimal growth support.

Pruning: Bottlebrush buckeye is a deciduous shrub featuring unique white, bottlebrush-like flowers. Prune in early spring to promote health and blooming. Remove dead branches, thin overgrown areas for air circulation, and avoid heavy pruning to maintain size and enhance its natural shape.

Propagation: Bottlebrush buckeye propagates best in Autumn and Winter through hardwood cuttings, layering, or sowing seeds. While propagation is moderately difficult, successful signs include new leaves and stem growth. Use well-draining soil and keep cuttings or seeds moist for optimal results.

Repotting: Repot bottlebrush buckeye, a spreading bush, every 2-3 years after flowering, ideally in early spring. Use a large container for root expansion and ensure well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, as bottlebrush buckeye thrives with ample space and care.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Bottlebrush buckeye

Distribution of Bottlebrush buckeye

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Bottlebrush buckeye

Care Guide for Bottlebrush buckeye

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases