Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
A native rounded shade tree with early palmate leaves, yellow-green spring flowers, and shiny toxic 'buckeye' seeds. Prone to leaf blotch and early scorch-driven defoliation in hot, dry summers; smells unpleasant when bruised, hence 'fetid buckeye.'
Field reference
Family
Sapindaceae
Growth rate
Slow
Mature size
20–40 ft tall, 20–40 ft spread
Hardiness zone
3–7
Soil preference
Moist, deep, well-drained soils; intolerant of drought and reflected heat
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Pruning window
Dormant season (late winter)
Wood properties
Light, soft, weak wood (~0.38 SG) of little structural value. Brittle limbs; all parts (seeds, bark, leaves) are toxic if ingested — flag for clients with livestock or children.
Native range
Midwestern and central United States, Pennsylvania to Nebraska and south to Texas
Green weight
50 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Anthracnosefungus · Moderate severity · peak Spring, during cool, wet, rainy weather at and just after leaf-outBagwormspest · Moderate severity · peak Larvae feed and enlarge bags June–August; bags overwinter with eggsScale Insectspest · Moderate severity · peak Vulnerable mobile 'crawlers' emerge late spring–summer (species dependent)
Common questions
Are buckeye seeds poisonous?
Yes. The glossy brown seeds, along with the leaves and bark, contain toxic glycosides and are dangerous to people and livestock if eaten. The seeds are fine to handle as keepsakes but should not be ingested.
Why does my buckeye lose its leaves by late summer?
Ohio buckeye is notorious for early defoliation from leaf blotch and heat-driven scorch, especially on dry sites. It is usually cosmetic; consistent soil moisture and leaf cleanup reduce the problem.
Related species in Sapindaceae
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