The first hint of warmer weather will start Ohio buckeye into leaf and flower, an adaptation of living in the shade of others. Most plant that leaf out as early as the buckeye will suffer in a hard late frost that are so common in our area, but this plant seems not to mind as long as it is not a prolonged cold spell. Its sharp and rather large buds elongate displaying a bright salmon color, which burst open to reveal a five-fingered leaf. One of our most shade tolerant trees on moist ground and in fact will scorch if planed in to much sun. The flowers, which I think have the color of pale morning light, are a pleasant addition to any yard or park with good soil and plenty of moisture. NOT a good street tree for new sub-divisions, older parts of town it seems to do fine but the soil must not be to compacted other wise the plant struggles. The 1-inch fruit is where the name comes from due to its resemblance to a deers eye.

Environment:  Xeric  Dry/Mesic  Mesic  Wet/Mesic  Hydric

Exposure:  Shade  Part Shade  Morning Sun  Full Sun

Bloom Period:  Spring  Summer  Fall