Aesculus flava

Yellow buckeye is a medium to large deciduous tree that grows 50-75 (less frequently to 90) tall with an oblong-rounded crown. It is the largest of the buckeyes that are native to the U. S. It is typically found in rich soils on river bottoms, stream banks and mountain slopes from southeastern Pennsylvania to northern Alabama and Georgia and down the Ohio River valley to Illinois. Palmate compound leaves emerge in spring, each with five spreading, toothed, ovate-oblong leaflets to 4-7î long. Leaves mature to dark green in summer. Fall color often includes attractive shades of yellow-orange. Y... more »

Yellow buckeye is a medium to large deciduous tree that grows 50-75 (less frequently to 90) tall with an oblong-rounded crown. It is the largest of the buckeyes that are native to the U. S. It is typically found in rich soils on river bottoms, stream banks and mountain slopes from southeastern Pennsylvania to northern Alabama and Georgia and down the Ohio River valley to Illinois. Palmate compound leaves emerge in spring, each with five spreading, toothed, ovate-oblong leaflets to 4-7î long. Leaves mature to dark green in summer. Fall color often includes attractive shades of yellow-orange. Yellow flowers (each 1/2 to 1î long) in erect panicles (to 6î long) appear in mid-spring. Flowers are followed by the familiar buckeye fruit, which is a globular dehiscent capsule consisting of 1-2 buckeyes encased by a leathery light brown partitioned husk. The husk is smooth on the outside, unlike the spiny Ohio buckeye husk. Fruit on the tree is interesting but not particularly ornamental. When ripe, each buckeye turns red brown with a light eye (hilum). Since colonial times, buckeyes have been carried by many school children and adults as good luck charms even though they are poisonous. Mature trunks (to 2-3 in diameter) have gray-brown bark that is fissured and scaly. This tree is also noted for having non-sticky buds and non-ridged bud scales. Flava (Latin for yellow) refers to the flowers. Other common names include big buckeye and sweet buckeye. Synonymous with Aesculus octandra. (less)