The scrubjay crew is bringing flowers for a spring fling - remember that some flowers will be easy to find and others may require a search.
Scarlet buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a member of the horse chestnut family and is native to Northern Florida . The plant is a large deciduous shrub or small tree that grows from 12 to 36 feet tall. The dark-green leaves are elliptical and grow horizontally from the tip of the branches, resembling a large, green daisy. The leaves turn yellow before dropping off in late summer. The flowers are less than 2 inches long, bloom in early spring and form in red and yellow clusters that grow from 6 to 10 inches long. The flowers give way to 1- to 2-inch long brown fruit. Hummingbirds and bees will come for the nectar and squirrels will make a meal out of the nuts.
Placement of this geocache has been approved by Rob Rossmanith, Park Biologist. Please remember, all wheels off the paved road when parking. Do not block any gates or trailheads, and follow the posted speed limits.