species 7,810 observations

Bottlebrush Buckeye

Aesculus parviflora

Field notes

Aesculus parviflora, the bottlebrush buckeye or small-flowered buckeye, is a species of suckering deciduous shrub in the family Sapindaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it is found primarily in Alabama, locally in western Georgia, and with a disjunct population in South Carolina along the Savannah River. Its natural habitat is in mesic forests, on bluffs and in ravines.

This plant is moderately poisonous to humans if eaten. Symptoms include depression, muscle weakness, paralysis, vomiting, and diarrhea; the nuts, being of attractive appearance, are the most likely part to cause poisoning. It has also been reported to be toxic to pets.