Bottlebrush buckeye

Aesculus parviflora Walter

Family: SapindaceaeZones: 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

ingestion

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists Aesculus spp. ('Buckeye') as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (aesculin and other saponins; vomiting and diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, serious signs in worse cases). It is a whole-genus page, not a bottlebrush-buckeye page. NC State independently tags this plant 'problem for cats', 'problem for dogs' and 'problem for horses'.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Aesculus parviflora, not on the common name.. Common-name trap: 'buckeye' is used for several Aesculus species and also for horse chestnut (ASPCA lists 'Horse Chestnut' as an additional name on its Buckeye page); the nuts of all of them are a poison. Check by scientific name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: NC State: partial shade, dappled sun or deep shade (shade to part shade preferred).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 8-12 ft tall, 8-15 ft wide; spreads by suckers to form colonies

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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