Two weeks ago, I shared a recent learning experience, the distinction between Alocasia and Colocasia. This week, I want to share another step in my horticultural education.

I always admire a Red Buckeye tree, Aesculus pavia, when I see it in other people’s gardens. White Bottlebrush Buckeye, Aesculus parviflora, is a handsome short tree/tall shrub with fluffy white flower clusters, but it is the Red Buckeye that makes my heart beat a little faster while I mentally add it to my Plant Lust List. Last summer, I noticed two different types of blooms. Some were tubular, while others looked almost like Crepe Myrtle. The leaves between the two were indistinguishable (to me) from each other. Time for some research!

Here is my knowledge breakthrough on the Aesculus (pronounced ES-kew-lus) family. The tubular flowers belong to Red Buckeye. The crepe paper flowers are on Red Horse-chestnut, which is actually a cross between Red Buckeye and Horse Chestnut.

Aesculus pavia, Red Buckeye, is native to the southeast. It is hardy in zones 4-8. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and will attain heights up to twenty-five feet.

Aesculus parviflora, Bottlebrush Buckeye, is a multi-stemmed native shrub that is hardy in zones 4-8. It prefers moist soil and partial shade or dappled shade under taller trees. It grows to twelve feet or less.

Aesculus x carnea, Red Horse-chestnut, is native to Europe. It is hardy in zones 4-9. It is much taller than the other two, growing to forty feet. It is also tolerant of occasional dry soils and will accept more sun.

All three produce nuts that are toxic to humans and pets.