Quick answer: Yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava) is native to 14 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: PixOnTrax at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained, circumneutral |
| Bloom | Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 75 ft |
| Wildlife value | Squirrels eat the nuts |
Raw seeds poisonous; historically processed by Native Americans via roasting/soaking to remove toxic element before eating
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Yellow buckeye
Where is Yellow buckeye native?
Yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava) is native to 14 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Yellow buckeye bloom?
Yellow buckeye blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Yellow buckeye need?
Light: Shade. Water: High. Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, circumneutral. Mature height: Up to 75 ft.
Is Yellow buckeye good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Squirrels eat the nuts.
Is Yellow buckeye deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Yellow buckeye is tolerates shade.
Is Yellow buckeye toxic?
Raw seeds poisonous; historically processed by Native Americans via roasting/soaking to remove toxic element before eating.
Where can I buy real Yellow buckeye seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Aesculus flava on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Yellow buckeye.
- Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum
- Allegheny serviceberry Amelanchier laevis
- Bigleaf magnolia Magnolia macrophylla
- Mountain silverbell Halesia tetraptera
- Eastern gray beardtongue Penstemon canescens
- Devil's walking stick Aralia spinosa
Also listed under
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