Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye)
Aesculus glabra var. arguta
Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) (Aesculus glabra var. arguta) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. More heat tolerant than the species.
low to medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: "20120713_VanDusen_AesculusGlabraVarArguta_Cutler_P1270045" by wlcutler is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: "Aesculus glabra var. arguta" is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 4: no rights reserved
- Photo 5: "20120713_VanDusen_Buckeyes_Cutler_P1270036" by wlcutler is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: (c) Jeff Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- yellow, green
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) need?
- Give Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) grow into?
- Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) hardy on the Front Range?
- Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) is hardy in USDA 4–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) grow?
- Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) live?
- Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) safe for dogs?
- No. Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) deer-resistant?
- Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye) is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
