Aesculus flava (Big Buckeye, Sweet Buckeye, Yellow Buckeye) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Yellow buckeye is a deciduous tree in the maple family (Sapindaceae), native to eastern North America. It is primarily found in the southern Appalachian mountains and sometimes in the more moderate and moist upland of the Piedmont of North Carolina. In nature, it can grows up to nearly 6500 feet in elevation in moist forests and seepy cove forests. Yellow Buckeye is primarily found in habitats characterized by moderate temperatures and high precipitation amounts in the Piedmont. 

Typically, the tree will grow to 60 feet high, but in the mountains, it can grow to 90 feet tall and 40 feet wide or more with an oval crown and a 3-foot diameter trunk. In the lowlands, it is typically a smaller tree or shrub. Yellow buckeye performs best in full sun in moist, rich, well-drained, deep, and slightly acidic soils. It doesn't care for poor, clay or dry soils but will tolerate brief flooding and urban conditions. The foliage can scorch and depreciate in dry conditions. Also, remember that this is a taprooted tree that is difficult to transplant once established.

The palmately compound leaves arrive early in the spring, are attractive and have better disease resistance than other buckeyes. The bark is sometimes exfoliating. In spring, erect 6-inch panicles of creamy yellow flowers are quite showy and are followed by 2-to-3-inch fruits containing 1 to 3 seeds in the fall. As with most nut trees, they can produce litter from fruits, twigs and leaves.

This tree can be used in large settings such as parks, municipal grounds, or large yards for shade. It will do well planted along streams or ponds, in naturalized areas or open woodland settings.

Fire Risk:  This plant has a low flammability rating.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Buckeye lacebug, Japanese beetles, bagworms, and borers are infrequent but potentially troublesome. Not nearly as susceptible to leaf scorch, leaf spot, leaf blotch, and powdery mildew as other buckeyes but can still occur. Disease problems tend to be less severe than those for Ohio buckeye.