Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Aesculus neglecta

Neglected Buckeye

Sapindaceae

Southeastern United States (Appalachian piedmont and foothills)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-50 feet (9-15 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.5-12 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Aesculus neglecta is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 30–50 feet (9–15 m) tall with a rounded to irregular crown 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) wide. This species is believed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between A. flava and A. sylvatica, though its exact parentage is debated among taxonomists. Leaves are palmately compound with 5 leaflets, each 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, medium to dark green with finely serrated margins. Foliage turns yellow to orange in fall, coloring in October in zones 6–7. Erect flower panicles 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long appear in April–May, with flower color variable from yellow to greenish-yellow, often with red or pink markings at the base — reflecting the species' hybrid origin. Fruit capsules are smooth (without spines), round, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter, containing 1–2 brown seeds. Growth rate is moderate at 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) annually. Bark is smooth and pale gray on young trunks, developing shallow fissures on mature specimens. Leaf scorch develops on exposed, dry sites during summer drought. This species is uncommon in cultivation and infrequently available in the nursery trade. All parts are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Native to the southeastern United States, primarily the piedmont and foothill regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Found in moist deciduous forests, stream banks, and cove habitats at 500–3,000 feet (150–900 m) elevation, often growing alongside A. flava and A. sylvatica.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree in arboreta, botanical collections, and large residential properties at 25–35 foot (7.5–10.5 m) spacing. Suited to partially shaded woodland gardens and moist, sheltered sites. Not suited to dry, exposed locations or areas with compacted soil.

How to Identify

Distinguished from A. flava by smaller overall stature and variable flower color with red or pink markings. Compared to A. sylvatica, this species grows taller and has longer flower panicles. Leaflets 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long with finely serrated margins. Fruit capsules are smooth (spineless), similar to A. flava. Flower color variability within a single panicle is a characteristic field identification feature.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread25' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
green
red
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Flowers April through May in zones 5–8. Bloom timing overlaps with both A. flava and A. sylvatica in areas where the species co-occur. Individual panicles last approximately 10–14 days; total bloom period extends about 2 weeks. Flower color varies between individuals, ranging from pale yellow to greenish-yellow with red or pink basal markings.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow to greenish-yellow with red or pink markings

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green palmately compound leaves with 5 leaflets, turning yellow to orange in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply every 1–2 weeks during the first 3 growing seasons. Established trees require consistently moist soil and decline in dry, exposed conditions. Leaf scorch develops during prolonged summer drought, with margins browning by late July in zones 7–8. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) may occur in humid climates, though incidence varies. No regular fertilization is needed for established trees. Trees are uncommon in cultivation, and availability in the nursery trade is limited.

Pruning

Prune during winter dormancy (November–February) to remove dead, crossing, or structurally weak branches. Develop a central leader in the first 10–15 years for a single-trunk form. Mature trees require minimal maintenance pruning. Multi-stemmed specimens can be left unpruned if a natural form is desired.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans