Lavaburst® Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra ‘LavaDak’ (Family: Sapindaceae)

Description: A narrow upright northern hardy Ohio buckeye selection with shorter internode growth than typical for the species. Foliage shows greater resistance to leaf scorch than non-selected buckeyes and maintains a bright green summer color changing to orange-red in autumn. Compact growth habit makes this selection ideal for limited space planting sites where a full sized buckeye is not suitable.

Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3b-6

Mature Size: Height: 25-28', Spread: 14-18'

Form (Shape): Upright ovate

Growth Rate: Slow-medium to medium

Foliage: Deciduous
Summer: Bright Green
Autumn: Fall color change initiation in late September to early October with a gradual color change of scattered orange changing to entirely orange-red before leaf drop.

Texture: Medium-coarse

Flower: Terminal panicles bearing greenish cream-colored flowers and appearing with the foliage. Panicles are 4-5” in length, shorter than typical for the species. Short lived but attractive spring interest.

Fruit: Yellow brown capsule, which are smaller than typical for the species and produced in lesser amounts.

Special Features: Compact upright growth form for limited space and planting sites.

Light Preference: Full sun exposure

Soil Preference: Adaptable but prefers a well-drained, non-droughty soil, tolerates higher pH levels.

Propagation: Side or cleft graft onto seedling Aesculus rootstocks, best on A. glabra in northern climates to insure root hardiness.

Ornamental Attributes: A dense, attractive canopy with good foliage quality and a showy autumn color change to orange-red before leaf fall. Upright form that is much narrower than other Aesculus cultivars.

Landscape Attributes: Recommended for use as a landscape, boulevard, parks, and golf course tree.

Comments: This selection fills the need for a smaller, narrower buckeye for use in boulevard and landscape plantings where space is limited.

Availability: Pending