Aesculus x arnoldiana 'Autumn Splendor'

Autumn Splendor Horsechesnut

Aesculus × arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’ is a superior hybrid buckeye selected for its clean foliage, excellent disease resistance, and outstanding fall color—a notable improvement over many traditional buckeyes. It combines the best traits of Ohio buckeye and Yellow buckeye in a refined, landscape-friendly tree.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Fall Color & Foliage: Large, palmate leaves remain cleaner through summer and turn brilliant orange, red, and yellow in fall.



Disease Resistance: Noted for improved resistance to leaf scorch and leaf blotch, common issues with buckeyes.



Flowers: Upright yellow-green flower panicles in spring, attractive but secondary to foliage and fall color.



Growth Habit: Upright to oval-rounded with strong branching and a uniform canopy.



Size: Typically reaches 30–40 ft tall with a 25–35 ft spread.



Care and Requirements


Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–7



Light: Full sun to partial shade



Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; adapts to average garden soils



Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture



Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning once established



Tolerance: Better tolerance of urban conditions than most buckeyes



Note: Seeds are toxic if ingested



Summary:
‘Autumn Splendor’ Buckeye is an excellent choice for lawns, parks, campuses, and residential landscapes, offering bold foliage, improved summer appearance, and exceptional fall color with fewer maintenance concerns.


Patent Information


Patent: Yes



Patent No.: PP10,590



Patent Holder: J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

35'

Width

30'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting, Specimen

Shape

Oval/Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No