Grows to 10-20' ht & sp
Red flowers, native tree. Round-topped shrub to small tree. Can reach 30-36' in height and spread in the wild. Produces red flowers 4-8" long, 1.5-3" wide panicles, in April-May. Red Buckeye has the first red tubular flowers to bloom in spring, making it very important to returning hummingbirds and the first butterflies. It is normal for this plant to drop most of its leaves by the end of summer, so place it in a site where it is highly visible in the spring, but less noticeable after leaf drop. Likes moist, acidic soil and prefers part shade. WARNING: the seeds, which look like chestnuts and young shoots are poisonous if eaten.
Photo Credit: The JC Raulston Arboretum
White Flowers/Native
Small deciduous tree. In early summer, it grows masses of spectacular 6-24" long upright panicles of white flowers are borne atop the rich, dark green foliage. The plant has a broad-rounded habit, lending itself to mass plantings. It adapts to a range of light conditions from full sun to moderate shade. It does not require pruning to maintain its shape, although it tolerates heavy pruning several inches above the ground for rejuvenation. Though it does have a suckering nature, it is not considered invasive. Makes a great companion plant to witch hazels and hydrangea. Also works well as a background for perennial and annual flower beds. Attracts butterflies. Yellow fall color. Native plant.
Photo Credit: The Morton Arboretum; The JC Raulston Arboretum