Quick answer: Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is native to 15 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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 | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium-High water, Moist |
| Soil | Deep, well-drained sand, loam, clay, limestone |
| Bloom | Mar-May |
| Height | 10-40 ft, often 15 ft in Central Texas |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds and bees, nuts eaten by squirrels |
Seeds and young shoots are poisonous to humans if eaten.
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 Red buckeye
Where is Red buckeye native?
Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is native to 15 states across the Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Red buckeye bloom?
Red buckeye blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Red buckeye need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Medium-High water, Moist. Soil: Deep, well-drained sand, loam, clay, limestone. Mature height: 10-40 ft, often 15 ft in Central Texas.
Is Red buckeye good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds and bees, nuts eaten by squirrels.
Is Red buckeye deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Red buckeye is tolerates shade.
Is Red buckeye toxic?
Seeds and young shoots are poisonous to humans if eaten.
Where can I buy real Red 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 pavia on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Red buckeye.
- Mountain azalea Rhododendron canescens
- Virginia sweetspire Itea virginica
- Woodland pinkroot Spigelia marilandica
- Inland sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium
- Swamp sunflower Helianthus angustifolius
- Water oak Quercus nigra
Also listed under
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