Large spikes of green-yellow flowers in spring bloom at the same time the bright green leaves unfurl. This is one of the first trees to leaf out and also one of the first to lose its leaves in the fall. Summer leaf color is dark green and fall color is often orange-red. A leathery, spiny fruit capsule splits open to expose the familiar, shiny brown, rounded seed in fall. Poisonous leaves and bark. Attracts many pollinators, including hummingbirds, long-tongued bees, bumblebees and more.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Hummingbird, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
20 to
40
feet
Spread:
20 to
40
feet
Size
Height: 20 to
40
feet
Spread: 20 to
40
feet
Size
Height: 20 to
40
feet
Spread: 20 to
40
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Best used in natural settings, parks or large areas. Ohio Buckeye produces dense shade so don't try to plant directly under it.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in moist, deep, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Leaves will scorch and drop in summer if grown in hot dry situations.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.