Aesculus glabra October Red - Ohio buckeye

The 'Aesculus glabra 'October Red' is a selection of the Ohio buckeye that stands out for its fiery red autumn foliage, as vibrant as that of a Virginia creeper. This deciduous tree, of modest stature, with a rounded crown, also offers a melliferous spring flowering in the form of small pale yellow candles. Its elegant foliage, similar to that of the horse chestnut, is however finer and coppery when it appears in spring. Accommodating, this horse chestnut prefers non-limestone and not too arid soils.

The Aesculus glabra, like all horse chestnuts, now belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is a species native to North America, particularly the eastern and central regions of the United States. 'October Red' is a cultivar of uncertain origin, selected for its splendid autumn foliage and slightly less vigorous growth. This horse chestnut, of rather slow growth, forms a trunk topped by a rounded crown. Ultimately, it reaches between 4 and 6 metres in height (sometimes 8 metres) with a spread of 4 metres. Cultivation conditions, particularly soil richness and freshness, have a significant impact on its growth. In winter, its branches bear small smooth, non-sticky buds. The young leaves of this horse chestnut are coppery. The mature leaves are green, compound, palmate, small and narrow, attached to the branch by a short petiole. In early autumn, they turn scarlet red and then fall to the ground. Flowering occurs in May or June, depending on the climate. It takes the form of yellowish flowers gathered in small panicles that appear in the upper part of the crown. They are not very visible in the tree's canopy but attract bees. After pollination, fruits form. The fruit is a tough capsule containing one, two, or three seeds. The mature seed is dark chocolate brown to black, smooth and shiny, with a large light-coloured hilum that resembles an eye.

The 'Aesculus glabra 'October Red' can be used as a standalone specimen, but also accompanied by large shrubs or other small trees. For example, with flowering dogwoods, which are interesting for their beautiful June flowering and autumn colours. Also with purple-leaved beeches, such as 'Purple Fountain' or 'Dawyck Purple'. Or even with the Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian serviceberry), covered in white flowers in spring and colourful autumn foliage.