Aesculus flava

Habitat: Rich cove forests, rich floodplain forests, dry-mesic to dry calcareous forests and woodlands, northern hardwood forests, and occasionally in other montane forests; this species is most common in moderately to strongly base-rich soils at lower and middle elevations but thrives in extremely acidic, infertile soils at higher elevations. Common in the sw. mountains, n. to Alleghany, Rockbridge, and Augusta counties; infrequent and mostly restricted to floodplains and sheltered river-fronting slopes in the sw. piedmont, north to Buckingham and Nelson counties.

Wildlife Value: The nectar from the flowers attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Nuts attract squirrels.

Poisonous to Humans
Poison Severity: High
Poison Symptoms: Muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor. It can cause death in humans, livestock and pets.