This American buckeye is bearing distinct chestnuts in the Autumn Garden.
One of fifteen species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, east Asia and North America, the yellow, or sweet, buckeye (Aesculus flava) occurs in the eastern United States, where it grows in moist forest at altitudes up to 2000m. Reaching 30m in height it is the largest of the American species. The leaves can take on rich autumnal colour, and have five to seven leaflets, each with an acute tip. In mature specimens the bark can be deeply fissured and scaly. Erect panicles of four-petalled, creamy yellow flowers, appear in May and June. The fruits are carried in a thick husk, or shell, containing two or three fruits.