Prairie Torch® Hybrid Buckeye -- Aesculus x 'Bergeson'
RFM-35
Mushroom shaped small-medium tree
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 of 20 to 25 feet in 25 to 30 years. It is hardy in USDA Zone 3.
Potential Uses or Applications
Nursery stock, small shade or landscape specimen tree
Close-up of green, umbrella-like leaves
Intense, red-orange autumn color
Development Stage
Plant propagation material can be obtained from NDSU Plant Sciences Department or trees from licensed nursery subject to availability.
Patent Status
U.S. Trademark registered – Prairie Torch®
Canadian Trademark registered
Licensing Status
This cultivar is available for non-exclusive licensing.