Single plant selection originating from an unknown seed source. This selection has been fully hardy in USDA hardiness zone 3b. Growing in full sod condition for its length of evaluation, Lavaburst™ has reached a height of approximately 25 feet with a 14-foot canopy spread making it ideal for limited space landscape including street boulevards and possibly for use under power lines and near other overhead structures. Mature height may exceed this in other areas of the country, but overall it is a smaller, more compact upright Ohio buckeye selection. Lavaburst™ is a narrow, upright, northern hardy Ohio buckeye selection with shorter internode stem growth than is typical for the species and other Aesculus cultivars. This shorter internode stem growth gives Lavaburst™ the superior compact foliage. Based on grafting trials, Lavaburst™ has reproduced the atypical shorter stem nodal lengths, setting it apart from other cultivar selections. Foliage shows greater resistance to leaf scorch than non-selected buckeyes and maintains a bright green summer color changing to lava orange-red in autumn. Compact growth habit makes this selection ideal for limited space planting sites where a full sized buckeye is not suitable. Seed production is light as compared to the species and other selected cultivars which is highly desirable as buckeye fruit (seed) are considered to be poisonous and can be messy in a formal landscape. Lavaburst™ is soil adaptable, but prefers a well-drained, non-doughty soil and tolerates higher pH levels. Propagation is by side or cleft graft onto seedling Aesculus rootstocks and will preform best on A. glabra in northern climates to insure root hardiness. Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3b-6 Mature Size: Height: 25-28', Spread: 14-18' Form (Shape): Upright ovate Growth Rate: Slow-medium to medium Foliage: Summer: Bright Green Autumn: Fall color change initiation in late September to early October with a gradual color change of scattered orange changing to entirely orange-red before leaf drop. Texture: Medium-coarse Flower: Terminal panicles bearing greenish cream-colored flowers and appearing with the foliage. Panicles are 4-5” in length, shorter than typical for the species. Short lived but attractive spring interest. Fruit: Yellow brown capsule, which are smaller than typical for the species and produced in lesser amounts. Light Preference: Full sun exposure Soil Preference: Adaptable but prefers a well-drained, non-droughty soil, tolerates higher pH levels. Propagation: Side or cleft graft onto seedling Aesculus rootstocks, best on A. glabra in northern climates to insure root hardiness. Ornamental Attributes: A dense, attractive canopy with good foliage quality and a showy autumn color change to orange-red before leaf fall. Upright form that is much narrower than other Aesculus cultivars. Landscape Attributes: Recommended for use as a landscape, boulevard, parks, and golf course tree. Comments: This selection fills the need for a smaller, narrower buckeye for use in boulevard and landscape plantings where space is limited. Patent Status:
U.S. Trademark Registered - Lavaburst®