Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush Buckeye) Unity Grown

Aesculus parviflora, also called bottlebrush buckeye, is a large multi-stemmed shrub with outstanding summer appeal. Native to rich woodland environments through the southeast as well as in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, bottlebrush buckeye is found as an understory plant, and can occasionally take on a tree form over time. Typically growing to 6-12′ tall and wide in areas ranging from full sun to full shade, Aesculus parviflora tolerates a variety of soil types, though it prefers medium-moist, well-drained loams and other fertile soils.

Although bottlebrush buckeye is named and well-regarded for its showy blooms, the large shrub also produces unique, compound fronds of tropical looking leaves in the early spring, with its flower spikes beginning to bloom in earl summer, and attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Aesculus parviflora has long-lasting foliage and makes for an attractive seasonal screen or naturalized understory planting full f lush, dark greens. Later in autumn, deep green foliage turns to shades of lime green and rusty yellow before leaves begin to fall, adding multi-season interest as well. Although glossy fruits called buckeyes are produced in fair quantities in later summer in the south, these fruits are less common in the plant's more northern ranges. 

Note: Although bottlebrush buckeye is an excellent choice for supporting pollinators, care should be taken with choosing a good planting location, as all plant tissues, flowers, and seeds are toxic to humans and other mammals.