Life History and Disturbance Response of Aesculus octandra (Yellow Buckeye)
Family: Hippocastanaceae
Guild: opportunistic, dispersal limited
Functional Lifeform: large deciduous tree
Ecological Role: This climax species grows well on moist well drained sites, such as, river bottoms, coves and ravines. It is found most often in the bottomlands in the northern parts of its range, but on higher elevations in the southern portion. It is a common component of in mixed mesophytic forests. It often associates with Red Maple
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 100/?
Shade Tolerance: tolerant
Height, m: max at 40m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: insects
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Seedfall Begins: September
Seed Banking: <1yr
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut/50m/animal and gravity
Season of Germination: early spring
Seedling Rooting System: sprouts form stumps particularly young ones
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: humus, deep soils
Light: overstory shade
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire:
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: