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Native Plants of the Southeast

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Aesculus parviflora
Bottlebrush Buckeye, Dwarf Horse Chestnut

Photo by Danny Schlisser

Although not actually native to NC (it naturally occurs in mid-Alabama), Bottlebrush Buckeye is a favorite shrub in our area because of its show-stopping, 8-12-inch tall panicles of white, feathery flowers with prominent reddish anthers and pinkish filaments. These attract numerous butterflies and other pollinators in early summer and then are followed by large, bright seed capsules in the Fall. Although Bottlebrush Buckeye may be grown as a single 6- to 12-foot individual in a shady border, to show off its colonial character to full advantage, more space and more light are required. It displays horizontal branching near the ground, resulting in a large mounded shape. The fall foliage of Bottlebrush is bright gold, and the leaves persist on the plant well into fall, unlike the Red Buckeye and the Painted Buckeye. Like all Buckeyes, Bottlebrush Buckeye is deer resistant.

Last Updated: May 21, 2019

Key Info

Scientific Name: Aesculus parviflora Walter
Common Names: Bottlebrush Buckeye, Dwarf Horse Chestnut
Family Name: Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Uses: Naturalizing, Woodland gardens
Light Requirement: Full sun, Partial/sunny, Partial/shady
Moisture Requirement: Medium, Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Bloom Times: Jul
Flower Color: White
Special Characteristics: Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Good fall color, Shade tolerant, Showy fruit, Flowers fragrant, Rhizomatous or stoloniferous, Good for wildlife cover/habitat, Reported to be deer resistant.

Additional Info

Habit: A suckering, multi-stemmed, thicket-forming shrub presenting upright flowers.
Height: 8-12'
Spread: 8-15'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Conditions: Average.
Leaves: Opposite, palmately compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets, oval shaped with toothed margins, yellow fall color.
Flowers (or reproductive structures): Showy; erect, 8-12" panicles of white, tubular flowers w/ prominent red anthers and pink filaments.
Fruit: light brown, thin walled 1-3" dehiscent capsule w/ 1-3 shiny inedible nuts inside called buckeyes, maturing in late summer to early fall
Natural Distribution: Bottom lands, open woods, ravines
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FAC
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, other insects
Wildlife Connections: The tall flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Pharmacology: Seeds and tea made from leaves and sprouts are highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten.
Cultural Notes: Intolerant of dry conditions in early years.
Propagation: By seed.
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov

Availability

Available: Gallons, $12
Available: 3-Gallons, $30

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Office: (919) 542-6186

Appointments: (919) 885-8642

Who we are

Cure Nursery is a small nursery propagating and selling native plants for the Southeastern U.S. We are located near the town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, in central NC.

our hours

Cure Nursery operates by appointment only. Call us or email us to arrange a time to come out, or for delivery.

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