An interesting plant near the entrance to the Arboretum Visitors Center produces stalks (panicles) of white flowers during July. Bottlebrush Buckeye, native to Alabama, Georgia, and Northern Florida, is a multi-stemmed shrub that grows well when planted in our area and throughout Plant Hardiness Zone 5 (as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Its large palmately compound leaves resemble those of other buckeyes. Its conspicuous erect and showy white flowers attract numerous pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The stamens extend well beyond the petals contributing to the resemblance of the inflorescence to a bottle brush. The fruits are brown capsules containing 1-3 seeds at maturity. The seeds and foliage of Bottlebrush Buckeye contain saponins which can be toxic to humans. The seeds can be eaten, however, if the saponins are leached from the nuts. If the seeds are chopped up and boiled in hot water, the resulting solution can be used as a soap substitute. The soft wood is easily worked and has been used to make packing cases, water troughs, and various ornamental articles.

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