Are there buckeye trees in Ohio?

Asked by: Reggie Boss

In 1953, the Ohio legislature designated the Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra, as Ohio’s official state tree. The tree is called the buckeye because its nuts resemble the shape and color of a deer’s eye. The buckeye is relatively common in Ohio, growing especially well along rivers and streams and in floodplains.

Where can I find a buckeye tree in Ohio?

Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) , the state tree of Ohio, is found primarily as an understory tree in the western half of Ohio, where the soils are more alkaline in pH.

Are buckeye trees native to Ohio?

“Ohio buckeye is native and is well-adapted to our soils and climate,” Snyder said. “But it’s not well-suited to small yards as it tends to get quite large with age.” The tree can grow 50 feet high.

What does the Ohio buckeye tree look like?

Ohio buckeye trees (Aesculus glabra) grow to a height of 20-40 feet tall and bear cone-shaped clusters of yellow-green flowers. The bark is gray and rough, becoming flaky as the tree ages.

Are Ohio buckeye trees poisonous?

Poisonous Plant: All parts of the plant (leaves, bark, fruit) are highly toxic if ingested – because of the glycoside aesculin, the saponin aescin, and possibly alkaloids. Symptoms are muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor.

How do you identify a buckeye tree?

Buckeye trees are identified by their large round inedible nut-like seeds, green palmately compound leaves, and creamy-yellow or red flower clusters. Buckeyes are excellent ornamental trees for medium to large backyards. The tall trees with their leafy green foliage provide plenty of shade.

Are buckeyes good for anything?

Though poisonous because of its tannic acid content, the buckeye–at times in history–has been used as a sedative, for relieving constipation and asthma and for the treatment of hemorrhoids and “female disorders.” It is also said to relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.

Is a buckeye an oak?

Aesculus californica, commonly known as the California buckeye or California horse-chestnut, is a species of buckeye native to California and southwestern Oregon.

Are buckeyes poisonous to touch?

If not prepared properly though, buckeye nuts are toxic to humans, causing symptoms including weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, and death.

How do you grow a buckeye tree in Ohio?

Plant buckeye trees in spring or fall. They grow well in full sun or partial shade and adapt to most any soil, but they don’t like an extremely dry environment. Dig the hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball and at least twice as wide.

Can you eat Ohio buckeye nuts?

Seeds are removed by peeling the capsule apart. Seeds resemble edible chestnuts, but Ohio buckeye fruits are not edible and can be toxic.

Do deer eat buckeyes?

Registered. Yes, they do eat Buckeyes, and occasionally Hoosiers.

What is the difference between a chestnut and a buckeye?

Buckeyes and horse chestnuts belong to the same tree family and are unrelated to true chestnuts. They bear similarities in fruit, but horse chestnuts carry larger seeds. The nuts of both buckeyes and horse chestnuts appear shiny and attractive, yet both are highly poisonous and must never be eaten.

Where do buckeye trees grow?

Some Common Species
Ohio buckeye’s natural range extends from Ohio and western Pennsylvania to parts of Alabama, and westward to areas of Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. (Grows in hardiness zones 4 to 7.) California buckeye (Aesculus californica) is the unique western buckeye species.

Is a buckeye an acorn?

Just make sure you know an acorn from a buckeye, as buckeyes (and the very similar looking horse chestnut) are poisonous for people to eat. To prepare palatable acorns, crack them out of their shell and break any large pieces into “pea-sized” chunks.