Aesculus pavia L.

Shrub or small tree; lfls 5, rarely more, thin, oblanceolate to obovate, glabrous to tomentulose beneath; cal tubular, red or yellow, 10–18 mm, shallowly lobed, finely puberulent; pet red or rarely yellow, glandular-ciliate, the lateral 2–3 cm, with oblong-obovate blade and long claw, the upper 2.5–4 cm, with minute, oblong-obovate to suborbicular blade; stamens 6–8, sometimes slightly longer than the upper pet; fr smooth, 3–6 cm thick; 2n=40. Rich damp woods; coastal plain from N.C. to Fla. and Tex, and inland to s. Mo., s. Ill., and Ky. Apr. (A. discolor, the phase with more tomentose lvs, commoner westward)

It is a temperate plant. They grow naturally in South-eastern North America from Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana in rich moist soils in deciduous woods. It can grow well in sandy soils. Trees are very shade tolerant but can also grow in sunny positions. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Seeds are eaten cooked. They can be dried and ground into a powder and used as a porridge. CAUTION: This plant contains saponins which although poisonous are not normally easily absorbed by the body. It is nevertheless probably no wise to eat large quantities. The saponin can be removed by slow roasting, then crushing and extended washing.

Plants can be grown from seed. Fresh seed which has not been allowed to dry out should be used. Seed germinates quickly. Trees transplant fairly easily. Plants can be grown by separating the suckers during the dormant time.