Red buckeye, Scarlet buckeye, Firecracker-plant
It is a temperate plant. They grow naturally in South-eastern North America from Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana in rich moist soils in deciduous woods. It can grow well in sandy soils. Trees are very shade tolerant but can also grow in sunny positions. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Synonyms
- Aesculus splendens
Edible Portion
- Seeds
Where does Red buckeye grow?
Found in: Australia, North America, United States, Tasmania
Notes: There are 15 Aesculus species. Also put in the family Hippocastanaceae.
Growing Red buckeye, Scarlet buckeye, Firecracker-plant
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. Fresh seed which has not been allowed to dry out should be used. Seed germinates quickly. Trees transplant fairly easily. Plants can be grown by separating the suckers during the dormant time.
Edible Uses: Seeds are eaten cooked. They can be dried and ground into a powder and used as a porridge. CAUTION: This plant contains saponins which although poisonous are not normally easily absorbed by the body. It is nevertheless probably no wise to eat large quantities. The saponin can be removed by slow roasting, then crushing and extended washing.
Production: Trees are fast-growing but also short-lived. They can commence flowering when only 1 metre tall.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeds | - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
Coombes, A.J., 2000, Trees. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks. p 181
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 108
Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 80
Little, E.L., 1980, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Alfred A. Knopf. p 587
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 46
Loughmiller, C & L., 1985, Texas Wildflowers. A Field Guide. University of Texas, Austin. p 105
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Sp. pl. 1:344. 1753
Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p 132
Young, J., (Ed.), 2001, Botanica's Pocket Trees and Shrubs. Random House. p 74