Red Buckeye From the eastern United States, Aesculus pavia is a large, deciduous shrub of rounded, bushy habit, sometimes a small, conical tree. The glossy, deep green leaves are palmate (like a hand), as befits this relative of the horse chestnut, with 5-7 narrow leaflets, each 5”/13cm long. Long, upright panicles, 6”/15cm long, of crimson flowers, sometimes marked with yellow, are borne in June and July, and are good for bees. Clusters of light brown, smooth skinned fruits follow in autumn; be aware that these are inedible, even slightly toxic. Red buckeye is good as a lawn specimen in smaller gardens. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Summer and autumn in particularHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 16’ (5m) Spread: 10’ (3m)