Yellow Buckeye

Aesculus flava

Native to:
United States, Virgin Islands

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Sapindaceae
Genus:
Aesculus
Species:
Aesculus flava
USDA Symbol:
AEFL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
3000 cm
Light Requirements:
Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Cameraria aesculisella, Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Claypole's Zeiraphera (Zeiraphera claypoleana)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, hummingbirds, small mammals
Fall Color:
yellow, orange

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers deep, fertile soils in native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 90-120 days; sow in fall or after stratification in spring.

Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 120 days.

Source: npn.rngr.net

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller