treeN. America Native

Yellow Buckeye

Aesculus flava

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Over 100 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

All parts, especially seeds, are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Aesculus flava is a large, deciduous North American native tree with distinctive palmate leaves and showy upright panicles of yellow flowers in spring. It develops a beautiful, broad-rounded crown with age. Unlike many other buckeyes, its leaves are more resistant to the leaf blotch and scorch that can make them look ragged by late summer. The smooth, light gray bark is also an attractive feature.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A magnificent large shade tree noted for its dense canopy, spectacular upright clusters of yellow spring flowers, and beautiful pumpkin-orange fall color.

Provides dense shade, making it an excellent choice for cooling large areas in parks, campuses, and expansive residential yards.

The flowers are a significant early nectar source for hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Squirrels and other wildlife consume the nuts after leaching out toxins.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun or part shade and moist, rich soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water in well.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base.
Water regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish.

Pro Tip

Provide ample space for this large tree to reach its full potential; avoid planting near pavement due to falling nuts.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Allow plenty of room for its large mature size.
Rake up fallen nuts in autumn to prevent unwanted seedlings.
Plant in slightly acidic soil for best performance.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, compacted soils.
Avoid planting in high-traffic areas where falling nuts could be a hazard.
Don't over-fertilize; it typically doesn't require it in good soil.
Avoid wounding the thin bark with lawn equipment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately shade tree for large lawns and parksSpecimen tree for its impressive spring flower showNaturalistic planting in woodland gardens

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Cornus florida Asimina triloba Lindera benzoin Hydrangea arborescens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yellow Buckeye questions

What zones can Yellow Buckeye grow in?

Yellow Buckeye is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yellow Buckeye deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Yellow Buckeye, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Yellow Buckeye bloom?

Yellow Buckeye typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yellow Buckeye need full sun?

Yellow Buckeye does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.