Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Red Buckeye
MainColor	Pink
PlantType	Tree
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	May
ImageUrl	Aesculus-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A deciduous shrub or small tree grown for its striking red tubular flowers in spring, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds (in its native range). The palmately compound leaves resemble other buckeyes.

Distribution

Native to the southeastern United States. In the UK, grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for skin ailments, though not in mainstream herbalism.

Edibility

Not edible – all parts, especially the seeds (“conkers”), are toxic if ingested.

Human Toxicity

Contains toxic glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects.

Pet Toxicity

Toxic – can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and tremors if cats or dogs ingest seeds, leaves, or bark.

Active Compounds

Aesculin, saponins.