Deciduous shrub/small tree native to the southern and eastern parts of the United States. This plant thrives shaded environments and can grow up to 15 ft high. When grouped together in light shade, the effect can be absolutely spectacular as a dramatic under-story layer, good for summer privacy in areas with wire fencing, though it does drop its leaves in autumn. Sometimes called "Mexican Firecracker", produces bright red flowers in June and has shiny, dark green leaves. It prefers moist but well-drained soil. Heat and frost tolerant. Fruits are not edible. A mythical native buckeye rarely seen in the wild. I've heard of two such sightings. What stuck out on both descriptions was how shocking the flowers can be in what would normally be a a sea of green, boring central Texas under story shade plants. However this plant comes with some caveats. 1). From our original mother we sourced from the wild flower center, we've observed it now for 4 years. It is dormant (no leaves) for 10 months out of the year. This could be due to pot culture or health of the original plant keeping it slow, but ultimately from our research, you will experience summer dormancy, and possibly more...relax, it's not dead! 2). Over the course of 4 years it has grown very, very slow. For us, our mother for the 4 years we've had it, has grown 16" tops. This plant is definitely for rare native plant collectors. Plant it in heavy shade, get it established, and then walk away and let it go...and then one day your great great grand children will be able to enjoy the illustrious flower! -Jay
