Shrub Indiana Native Aesculus parviflora [Bottlebrush Buckeye] Can be kept at a smaller size for a time with careful pruning, but it will in time occupy much space. Tolerates some shade, and can even be attractive under large shade trees. Suckers quite freely.
Shrub/Tree Aesculus pavia [Red Buckeye] The Red Buckeye can be a small tree or clump-forming, multi-stemmed shrub. The lustrous, deep green foliage is attractive, but tends to decline by August. Susceptible to leaf blotch, but less susceptible to mildew than Aesculus hippocastanum.
Tree Aesculus × carnea [Red Horsechestnut] More drought resistant and more resistant to blotch and mildew than A. hippocastanum. Comes true to type from seed. Flowers at early age. Does not perform well in dry sites. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Fort McNair' [Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut] Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut is less suscebtible to leaf scorch, leaf blotch and mildew than the straight species, although it can still contract the diseases. Does not perform well in dry sites; plant in moister soils for best growth and flowering. Flowers at an early age. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
Herbaceous Agastache aurantiaca 'Tango' [sold as Tango Orange Hummingbird Mint] [Tango Orange Hummingbird Mint]
Shrub Agave americana [Century Plant] Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick point tips on its leaves, prune off to protect children. Some susceptibility to Agape weevil, especially when weakened.
