By Terry W. Johnson
If you ask a hummingbird enthusiast to name the flowers they plant for hummingbirds, more than likely they will reel off the names of plants such as Lady In Red salvia, lantana, pineapple sage, Turk's cap and coral honeysuckle, to name but a few.
Rarely, however, do they mention the red buckeye. This is unfortunate because this stunning beauty is better known for its distinctive seeds, which many believe do indeed look like the eye of a buck deer, than its beautiful, nectar-laden flowers.
The red buckeye is a native plant that grows beneath the canopy of forests in Georgia’s Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont. The plant has, however, been widely introduced throughout much of the rest of the state.
Depending on where it grows, the red buckeye typically looks like a small shrub. When it takes root in the shade it typically takes on the form of a small shrub. However, when grown in fertile soil and full sun, it becomes a tree reaching 25 feet or more high with a trunk measuring 4 to 6 inches in diameter.
As you might expect, buckeyes that grow in full sun produce more blossoms than those relegated to full or partial shade.
The red buckeye’s carmine red blooms are tubular in shape and borne on 4- to 8-inch spikes. These attractive blossoms are quite hardy and will last for several weeks.
This spring bloomer is a magnet for ruby-throated hummingbirds. In fact, some experts share the opinion that the ruby-throated hummingbird is the major pollinator of this showy plant. I have always thought the attraction was due, in part, to the fact that the plant provides these aerial dynamos with nectar when nectar is often scarce.
For some reason, in my yard hummingbirds are especially fond of visiting the red buckeye's nectar-rich flowers late in the day. In fact, when red buckeyes are blooming I can often be found trying to photograph the birds when it is almost too dark to see them in my camera’s viewfinder.
Other nectar feeders also visit the plant. In my neck of the woods – middle Georgia – these are principally eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies, as well as bumble and carpenter bees.
At first glance, you would think that the plant's 1- to 2-inch, polished dark brown seeds would be a favorite food of seed-eating birds and mammals. Such is not the case. While gray squirrels and other animals do eat buckeyes, it is never a preferred food. In fact, both the seeds and tender young leaves of the plant are said to be poisonous to humans and livestock alike.
Humans have long made use of the red buckeye. Native Americans were known to crush buckeye branches to catch fish. The sap that exudes from the branches drugs fish, making them easier to capture.
Early European settlers made soap from the plant’s roots. Additionally, the bark was used to concoct medicines.
Nowadays, the smooth, hard, glossy seeds of the buckeye are sometimes toted about in pockets as good luck charms or to serve as worry stones.
I am surprised that this attractive plant isn’t seen more often in home landscapes. It has many virtues that should endear the red buckeye to home gardeners. It requires little care, is drought tolerant and is essentially pest-free. It makes an eye-catching border plant. Another plus is that these versatile plants can be grown either in open and shady yards. They can be arranged in groups or planted singly. In addition, although the red buckeye’s foliage doesn’t change color in the fall, throughout the growing season its long, palmate leaves are pleasing to the eye.
Red buckeyes can be established using either transplants or seeds. If you want to try planting the seeds, collect and plant them them before they dry out. This will significantly increase the odds they will germinate.
Consequently, most folks prefer to transplant seedlings. With that in mind, March is a great time to set out one or more young red buckeyes. Check with a nearby nursery that sells native plants. Since red buckeye seedlings are not commonly carried by most nurseries, you might have to do a little detective work to find them. Your best bet is to check with a nursery that deals in native plants.
However, with a little diligence you should be able to locate a source of this native beauty. Believe me; they are well worth the effort. Red buckeyes will certainly add beauty to your yard. In addition, they will quickly become a hummingbird favorite.
Terry W. Johnson is a former Nongame program manager with the Wildlife Resources Division, a backyard wildlife expert, and executive director of TERN, the friends group of the Nongame Conservation Section. (Permission is required to reprint this column. Contactrick.lavender@dnr.ga.gov.) Learn more about TERN, The Environmental Resources Network, athttp://tern.homestead.com.
“Out My Backdoor”columns archive.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Out My Backdoor: Hummingbirds Can Smell
When I tell you hummingbirds can smell, I am not saying they possess an odor resembling a pair of dirty socks. Instead, I am referring to biologists learning in recent years that hummers have a sense of smell.
Out My Backdoor: Bluebirds Sometimes Nest in Odd Places
When the first European colonists set foot in North America, the eastern bluebird was nesting almost exclusively in cavities found in native trees. However, as the population of these early settlers swelled and began to dramatically change the environment, bluebirds began nesting in places that were previously unavailable to them. Some of these sites continue to be truly odd.
Out My Backdoor: Songbird Food Falling from the Sky
Recently while sitting outside talking with a friend, I noticed a tiny green larvae crawling up my shirt sleeve. The insect had fallen out of the pale green leaves of a nearby oak tree. The frail creature was a reminder that Nature is preparing a banquet for millions of northbound songbirds migrating back to their breeding grounds.
Out My Backdoor: Can’t-Miss Honeysuckle
We are constantly searching for plants that beautify our yards. And when we stumble across one that is gorgeous, benefits wildlife and is low maintenance, we know we have located a real treasure.
Out My Backdoor: Red-shouldered Hawks a Threat to Pets, Feeder Birds?
We have all have heard a murder of crows loudly cawing near our homes. When we do, we realize that, in many cases, the crows’ incessant, agitated calling can mean that a predator is close by.
Out My Backdoor: Is Mistletoe a Holiday Decoration or Wildlife Plant?
Mistletoe is indeed a curious plant. We all recognize it as one of the handful of plants we associate with Christmas. At the same time, mistletoe is also a valuable wildlife food plant. This begs the question, how can a parasitic plant that grows in the tops of hardwood trees be either?
Properties
Conservation Programs
Hunting
Fishing
Landowner Resources
Living with Wildlife
Invasive Species
Education
Alerts and Closures
Boating
