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Aesculus glabra Sofia - Ohio buckeye

Aesculus glabra Sofia
Ohio buckeye, American buckeye, Fetid buckeye

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More information

Beautiful deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10m. Its palmate foliage, divided into 5 large narrow leaflets, is coloured orange-yellow when they emerge. In autumn, it turns red before falling. This variety also offers a light spring flowering in the form of small yellow-green candles, quite short-lived, followed by the formation of small oval chestnuts. Perfectly hardy, this chestnut tree is not very demanding in terms of soil.
Flower size
15 cm
Height at maturity
9.50 m
Spread at maturity
7 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Description

The Aesculus glabra 'Sofia' is a variety of Ohio buckeye tree characterised by its particularly ornamental spring foliage, which is yellow-orange in colour. It is a large deciduous tree that is both charming and robust. Its elegant foliage, similar to that of the horse chestnut tree, is however finer, and it turns a beautiful red colour in autumn. Although adaptable, this tree prefers humus-rich, permeable, and not too dry soils.

The Aesculus glabra 'Sofia' is a horticultural selection derived from the Ohio buckeye, a tree native to the eastern part of North America. The species is found from Pennsylvania to Tennessee and Alabama, and then to Kansas and Texas. The tree, which can become imposing, grows on moist soils, sometimes even flooded for very short periods. All buckeye trees belong to the Sapindaceae family.

The 'Sofia' buckeye tree, which has a moderately fast growth rate, forms a tree that reaches 8 to 10 meters in height with a roughly equivalent spread. A mature specimen will have a rough, cracked, gray-brown bark with corky and spongy growths, emitting a foul smell when cut. Its buds are not resinous, reddish-brown, with keeled scales and velvety edges. The young branches are vigorous and velvety, but quickly become smooth and reddish-brown. They contain a foul-smelling sap. The foliage is deciduous, appearing in spring with a bright yellow-orange colour, turning yellow, orange, and then red in autumn before falling. The leaves are opposite on the branches, palmate, and measure 20 to 35 cm in length. Each leaf is composed of 5 to 7 elliptical to obovate leaflets, 12 to 18 cm long, delicately toothed, and always with the characteristic foul smell of the species. The flowering, without real appeal, takes place in May. The inflorescences are upright panicles called thyrses, measuring 10 to 18 cm in length. Each carries a few yellow to pale yellow or cream-coloured flowers, 2 to 3 cm long, with stamens longer than the petals. The fruits are tough capsules, 3 to 5 cm in diameter, which usually contain 1 or 2 spherical seeds (rarely 3), smooth, 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter, with a large gray scar. The fruits ripen in September-October and are consumed by squirrels.

The Aesculus glabra 'Sofia' is planted in parks and large gardens, preferably in oceanic or continental climates. It is particularly noticeable in spring, when its yellow-orange foliage stands out against the surrounding greenery. Highly resistant to cold, it also tolerates hot and moderately dry summers. This large tree can be successfully planted in cities as it withstands pollution.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 9.50 m
Spread at maturity 7 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time May
Inflorescence Panicle
Flower size 15 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Aesculus

Species

glabra

Cultivar

Sofia

Family

Sapindaceae

Other common names

Ohio buckeye, American buckeye, Fetid buckeye

Origin

North America

Product reference21967

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From 95,00 € 20L/25L pot

Planting and care

The Aesculus glabra Sofia should be planted in spring or autumn in a deep soil, preferably humus-bearing, slightly acidic, and not too chalky, in a sunny or semi-shaded location. This tree cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or arid conditions. Deep ploughing is recommended before planting. Allow enough space for it, as it can reach a width of 8m. Water and mulch to maintain soil moisture. Fertilise in spring. Prune in February by removing dead wood.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Planting spacing Every 550 cm
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, loose, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Prune in February by removing dead wood.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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