Prairie Torch® Hybrid Buckeye Aesculus x Bergeson
RFM-35
Dense, mounded canopy
Description
A very winterhardy hybrid buckeye selected in northwestern Minnesota. Introduced in collaboration with Bergeson Nursery, Fertile, MN. In NDSU trials, it grew faster than most buckeye accessions for the first 10 -15 years, producing a rather dense, globose form. With age it broadens, becoming more mushroom-shaped. Ultimate size of tree is small to medium, 20 - 28 feet, which fits well in residential landscape sites. The foliage is of high quality, fairly coarse-textured, and typically composed of seven leaflets, which incline downward in an umbrella-like fashion. These characteristics lend a tropical touch to the tree's appearance. Autumn coloration in medium to light-textured soils is brilliant orange-red. This cultivar is far superior in quality to most seedlings of Ohio Buckeye - Aesculus glabra. Available in commercial nursery trade. Prairie Torch® will reach a semi-mature height in 25 to 30 years. It is hardy in USDA Zone 3.
Potential Uses or Applications
Nursery stock, small shade or landscape specimen tree
Foliage close-up in autumn color
Development Stage
Plant material can be obtained from NDSU Plant Sciences Department or designated nursery subject to availability.
Patent Status
U.S. Trademark registered – Prairie Torch®
Licensing Status
This cultivar is available for non-exclusive licensing.