Aesculus sp. including Buckeye
and Common Horsechestnut
have gotten a bad rap due to Guignardia aesculi (Guignardia leaf spot on Aesculus)
Actually, some are more resistant than others. We hope to highlight some that could be considered potential street trees.
Aesculus x arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’
which is a hybrid including Aesculus glabra, A. flava and A. pavia. Autumn Splendor Buckeye can have a dark red fall color, yellow-red flowers which appears in May
and is resistant to scorch.
Aesculus flava which is Yellow Buckeye has yellow flowers in the spring
and orange fall color
and will become a very large tree
and is a perfect replacement for Common Horsechestnut but not along a street. In addition, the fruits
can put a dent in cars so better suited for a park or large space.
Aesculus pavia, Red Buckeye is a smaller tree
that produces red flowers in May
and may develop into brown buckeyes in the fall.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Although Aesculus x 'Homestead' has limited availability, it might be worth investigating since it shows resistance to Guignardia aesculi (Guignardia leaf spot on Aesculus):
Aesculus hitppocastanum, Common Horsechestnut
is predisposed to show symtoms of Guignardia aesculi (Guignardia leaf spot on Aesculus).
A. x carnea ‘Briotii’,
A. x carnea ‘Fort McNair’
are less problematic than the straight species A. hippocastanum to Guignardia aesculi (Guignardia leaf spot on Aesculus) but some years can defoliate mid to late summer.
A. hippocastanum ‘Baumannii’,
tends to have the cleanest foliage and a double white flower.
Because genetics include Common Horsechestnut, they are is predisposed to symptoms of Guignardia aesculi (Guignardia leaf spot on Aesculus).
Aesculus glabra, Ohio Buckeye is the state tree but needs space to be appropriate for use as a street tree.
In closing, consider Aesculus as a possible choice where soil is moist and well-drained. Add one to your list.
