Yellow Buckeye

Aesculus flava

Sapindaceae, Hippocastanaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated March 9, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

60–75 ft

Spread

26 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Size at 20 yr

30 ft

Lifespan

Long-lived

Light

Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Well Drained

Soil pH

5.0-7.0

Water

High

Drought Tolerance

Low

Hardiness

Zones 3a–8b

Bloom Time

April to May

Fall Color

Orange, red, yellow

Origin

extends from Pennsylvania to Tennessee and northern Alabama

Active Conidial Spread

View full calendar (8 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.