Aesculus glabra

Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra
Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra is a native deciduous tree known for its early spring leaf-out, broad rounded form, large palmately compound leaves, and showy upright clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in spring. The foliage is bright to medium green through summer and may turn yellow, orange, or reddish-orange in fall. Round, prickly fruit capsules develop in late summer to fall and contain the shiny brown “buckeye” seeds. The seeds, bark, and foliage are toxic if eaten.

Type: Deciduous native tree
Mature Size: 20–40 ft. wide × 20–40 ft. tall; occasionally taller, up to about 70–75 ft. in ideal conditions
USDA Zones: 4a–7b
Form: Rounded, low-branched, dense, broad oval to rounded crown
Light: Full sun to part shade; tolerates shade, especially when young
Soil / Water: Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil; tolerates rocky wooded slopes and ravines; avoid very dry sites
Bloom Time / Length: Spring, usually April–May; about 2–3 weeks
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other spring insects; dense branching can provide cover for birds, but seeds are toxic to people, pets, and livestock

Features & Landscape Uses:
Ohio Buckeye is a good native shade or specimen tree for naturalized areas, woodland edges, large gardens, and native plant landscapes. It is one of the first trees to leaf out in spring and offers attractive flowers, bold-textured foliage, and distinctive buckeye fruit. Best used where some leaf scorch, leaf blotch, or early leaf drop in hot, dry summers will not be a problem.

Care:
Plant in moist, fertile soil with room for its broad crown. Water during dry periods, especially while young. Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist. Prune only as needed to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Site away from play areas or livestock because the seeds and other plant parts are poisonous if ingested.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-40'

Width

20-40'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Jonquil

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Shape

Broad, Multi Stem, Rounded

Drought tolerant

No