Plant Finder

Description:

A considerable improvement over the species buckeye, with a faster habit of growth, more uniformly rounded shape and more reliable pumpkin-orange fall color; makes a great accent tree for smaller landscapes; spiny seeds may necessitate a clean-up in fall

Ornamental Features

Prairie Torch Buckeye features showy spikes of creamy white flowers rising above the foliage in mid spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The palmate leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Prairie Torch Buckeye is a dense deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Prairie Torch Buckeye is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Prairie Torch Buckeye will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.