Aesculus flava aka Sweet Buckeye
Taxonomy
Aesculus flava, also known as the common buckeye, sweet buckeye, and yellow buckeye, is a deciduous tree native to the Ohio Valley and Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States. It typically grows in mesophytic forest or floodplains with acid to circumneutral soil, reaching heights of 20m to 48m (65 ft to 154 ft). The leaves are palmately compound with five (rarely seven) leaflets, and the flowers are produced in yellow to yellow-green panicles in spring. The fruit is a smooth, round or oblong capsule containing 1-3 nut-like seeds that are poisonous to humans but can be made edible through a leaching process.
Yellow Buckeye is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It does best when placed less than 1 foot from a window and prefers soil that is well draining. Repotting each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for added fertilizers. While the plant belongs to the Aesculus genus, it is important to note that it is extremely dangerous if consumed. Leaf blotch, powdery mildew, leaf spots, anthracnose, and leaf scorch may occur, but disease problems are generally not as severe as those for Ohio buckeye. It is not recommended as a street tree or for use near homes due to the litter produced but can be used as an ornamental shade tree in more remote areas of the landscape, including native plant and moist woodland areas. Michael Dirr considers this tree to be the most beautiful of the large growing Aesculus. The genus name is the Latin name for a kind of oak bearing edible acorns but applied by Linnaeus to this genus, while the specific epithet means yellow in reference to the flower color.
Common names
Sweet Buckeye, Yellow BuckeyeHow to care for Sweet Buckeye
Difficulty
Sweet Buckeye is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Sweet Buckeye should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sweet Buckeye loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Sweet Buckeye prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Sweet Buckeye is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Sweet Buckeye’s native range is Eastern N. America - Pennsylvanica to Tennessee and west to Ohio.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Aesculus Genus

Aesculus indica Indian Horse Chestnut

Aesculus turbinata Japanese Horse Chestnut

Aesculus glabra Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus carnea Red Horse Chestnut

Aesculus californica California Buckeye

Aesculus sylvatica Painted Buckeye

Aesculus flava Sweet Buckeye

Aesculus chinensis Chinese Horse Chestnut

Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye
