Aesculus pavia (red buckeye)

Red buckeye is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree with showy, red flowers in early spring and palmate leaves that look almost tropical. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Does best if protected from afternoon sun. Do not over-water. Grows to 12–15' tall and wide. May flower as early as the second or third year. Note: The plant drops its leaves by end of summer, so it is best planted where it will be very visible in early spring but less noticeable when it drops its leaves. The seeds and young shoots are poisonous if ingested. 

Red buckeye is native to the southern and eastern parts of the United States. It is common in woods, along streams, in thickets, and on rocky hills. The flowers attract hummingbirds and bees. Squirrels eat the nuts. Moderately deer resistant. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native).  

Photo by Wikimedia Commons