Aesculus parviflora

Although not actually native to NC (it naturally occurs in mid-Alabama), Bottlebrush Buckeye is a favorite shrub in our area because of its show-stopping, 8-12-inch tall panicles of white, feathery flowers with prominent reddish anthers and pinkish filaments. These attract numerous butterflies and other pollinators in early summer and then are followed by large, bright seed capsules in the Fall. Although Bottlebrush Buckeye may be grown as a single 6- to 12-foot individual in a shady border, to show off its colonial character to full advantage, more space and more light are required. It displays horizontal branching near the ground, resulting in a large mounded shape. The fall foliage of Bottlebrush is bright gold, and the leaves persist on the plant well into fall, unlike the Red Buckeye and the Painted Buckeye. Like all Buckeyes, Bottlebrush Buckeye is deer resistant.