Bottlebrush Buckeye Aesculus parviflora

Bottlebrush buckeye is a deciduous suckering shrub in the maple family (Sapindaceae) that is native to GA, AL, FL and SC. It can be found growing in moist rich woods and ravines. Although it is native to the southeast it is hardy to zone 5 and easily grown in NC. 

This shrub prefers shade to part shade conditions in rich fertile well-drained moist soil. It is intolerant of drought, especially at a young age. The shrub will grow 8-12 feet tall and 8-15 feet wide and spread to form colonies. 

The flowers occur in upright panicles in early summer and consist of many small tubular white flowers with extruded red stamens. Blooming can be quite spectacular. The compound leaves stay attractive all year unlike many buckeyes and the fall color is an attractive yellow. Flowers are followed by the nut called a buckeye and are not edible. Shrubs grown further north don't produce many fruits. 

Use this shrub as a hedge for shady areas, along ponds and streams, in a woodland garden or as a specimen. It's flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Quick ID Hints:

• Opposite, palmately compound leaves, slightly pubescent
• Erect inflorescence, white flowers
• Stamens extend out 1 inch from petals
• Buds appear white when small
• 8-12' tall, 8-15' wide, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It is more tolerant of disease and insects than most buckeyes. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.