Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye)

Botanical name

Aesculus sylvatica

Other names

Painted buckeye, Dwarf buckeye, Yellow buckeye

Genus

Aesculus Aesculus

Species

A. sylvatica - A. sylvatica is a vigorous, upright, thicket-forming, deciduous shrub or small tree with palmate leaves divided into five oblong to ovate, yellow-green leaflets, each with a prominent, yellow to pale green midvein. Upright clusters of yellow, cream, pink, or red flowers in spring are followed by leathery seed capsules, green then pale brown, splitting to release glossy, dark brown seeds.

Native to

Southeastern United States

Foliage

Deciduous

Tree shape

Broad crowned

Toxicity

Highly toxic - ingestion may be fatal.

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Colour

Flower

Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Horse chestnut scale , Leaf mining moths

Specific diseases

Coral spot , Canker , Leaf spot

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1 only when dormant.

Propagation

Collect seed as soon as capsules split in late summer. Cold stratify over winter and plant in cold frame or seedbed in early spring. Protect young plants from squirrels.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye) will reach a height of 4.5m and a spread of 4.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Low Maintenance, Wildlife, Architectural, Specimen tree

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist or moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Do not allow to dry out. Site carefully as it will spread via underground runners. Develops a deep taproot so transplant when young.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye)

Common pest name

Asian longhorn beetle; Starry sky beetle

Scientific pest name

Anoplophora glabripennis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Recognised threat to a wide range of deciduous tress native to the UK. Already regulated it is a priority for continued surveillance and statutory action. The risk of entry is further mitigated by EU legislation requiring the monitoring of wooden packaging material originating from China.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye)

Common pest name

Elm spanworm; Ennomid; white; Linden moth; snow-white

Scientific pest name

Ennomos subsignaria

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which defoliates deciduous trees and; with repeated infestation; can cause tree death. Present in North America and current import requirements do not fully mitigate the risk of introduction. A PRA will help to assess the level of risk more fully.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/