tree

Hybrid Buckeye

Aesculus x ambigua

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Hybrid Buckeye (Aesculus x ambigua) at Lurvey Garden Center

Hybrid Buckeye flowers

Hybrid Buckeye flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  40 feet

Spread:  30 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Description:

A large shade tree, yellow flowers are touched with curious red flares and are held on long upright panicles at the ends of the branches; a rare tree in commerce but worth seeking out; spiny seeds may necessitate some maintenance

Ornamental Features

Hybrid Buckeye features bold spikes of buttery yellow flowers with a red blotch rising above the foliage in mid spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges light green in spring. The palmate leaves turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Hybrid Buckeye is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Messy

Hybrid Buckeye is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Hybrid Buckeye will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Shade 
Applications
Flowers  Fall Color  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features