Red buckeye for birds in North Carolina
Blooms right as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return. Native to North Carolina, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Aesculus pavia
- Native status
- Native in North Carolina
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–8b
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- North Carolina birds supported
- 3
- Nesting birds among them
- 3
Growing conditions in North Carolina
Mountains, Piedmont and coastal plain differ sharply — cool, snowy highlands to mild, humid coast.
Warm and humid in the Piedmont and coast; cooler at elevation.
North Carolina birds that use Red buckeye
Summer breeders (3)
Nesting season it supports in North Carolina
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Red buckeye:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — April–August
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
Native plants to pair with Red buckeye in North Carolina
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Frequently asked
Is Red buckeye native to North Carolina?
Yes. Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is recorded as native in North Carolina. North Carolina spans USDA 5b–8b.
What birds does Red buckeye attract in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, Red buckeye supports 3 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole.
Does Red buckeye help nesting birds in North Carolina?
3 of those birds nest in North Carolina: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (April–August), Baltimore Oriole (May–July), Orchard Oriole (May–June).
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — North Carolina
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.