Yellow Buckeye
Aesculus flava
Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
medium water50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wideDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Aesculus flava
- Variety / cultivar
- Yellow Buckeye
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–7
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Frequently asked questions
- Is Yellow Buckeye good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Yellow Buckeye is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Yellow Buckeye get?
- It matures to about 50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Yellow Buckeye need?
- Give Yellow Buckeye about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Yellow Buckeye grow into?
- Yellow Buckeye typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Yellow Buckeye hardy on the Front Range?
- Yellow Buckeye is hardy in USDA 4–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Yellow Buckeye need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Yellow Buckeye grow?
- Yellow Buckeye is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Yellow Buckeye live?
- Yellow Buckeye has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Yellow Buckeye safe for dogs?
- No. Yellow Buckeye is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Yellow Buckeye deer-resistant?
- Yellow Buckeye is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
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See also
Related trees
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye)
Aesculus glabra var. arguta
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Common Horsechestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, 'Briotti', 'Fort McNair'
Aesculus x carnea
Coffeetree, Kentucky Coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus
Oak, Red
Quercus rubra