A very winterhardy hybrid buckeye selected in northwestern Minnesota. Introduced by North Dakota State University 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-medium, 20 to 28', which fits well in residential landscape sites. The foliage is of high quality, fairly coarse-textured, and typically composed of 7 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. Limited availability in nursery trade. USDA hardiness zone 3. Small shade and landscape specimen tree. Propagated by grafting, possible by budding and softwood cuttings. Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3-7 Mature Size: Height: 30' Spread: 30' Form (Shape): Dense, globose form. With age it broadens, becoming more mushroom-shaped. Growth Rate: Moderate Foliage: Summer: Emerging light green in spring and turning dark green in summer, typical 7 palmately compound leaflets. Autumn: Brilliant orange-red fall color. Texture: Medium-Coarse in leaf, Coarse in winter. Flower: Yellow-green 4-7” long panicles in early to mid-May. Fruit: Spiny golf ball-sized capsules. Attracts wildlife, especially squirrels. Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade. Soil Preferences: Moist, well-drained soils, soil pH adaptable. Propagation: Grafting (including budding) and softwood cuttings. Ornamental Attributes: High-quality foliage that inclines downward in an umbrella-like fashion. This characteristic lends a tropical touch to the tree’s appearance. Consistent brilliant fall color sets this selection apart from the species, which is notoriously inconsistent ranging from green to maroon. Landscape Attributes: Prairie Torch® Hybrid Buckeye is a dense deciduous tree with a slightly weeping globose form. It is recommended as a boulevard, small shade, or landscape specimen tree. Comments: Buckeyes are drought-sensitive and prone to leaf scorch during hot, dry weather. Provide adequate water during these times. Adding a 3-4” layer of mulch is recommended. Prairie Torch® Hybrid Buckeye has shown resistance to leaf scorch. Patent Status: