Aesculus glabra
Common name: Ohio Buckeye
Buckeyes are the first tree to leaf out in the spring, which is an adaptation to living in the understory. They leaf out in early to mid April, and when the temperatures drop close to 20°F, it does not affect the leaves. The yellow-green flowers are present in early May. Its sharp and rather large buds elongate displaying a bright salmon color, which burst open to reveal a five-fingered leaf. It is our most shade-tolerant tree and will leaf scorch in full sun. Does best in good garden soil with plenty of moisture. It is not a good street tree or good for compacted soil of new subdivisions. The 1-inch diameter fruit is called a buckeye due to its resemblance to a deer’s eye.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Trees
Soil type
Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry), Moist Mesic
Light exposure
Eastern Exposure / Morning Sun, Full Sun, High Canopy Shade (Usually from oaks), Partial Sun / Part Shade
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Road-side/Salt Tolerant, Yards that Flood
Habitat
Floodplain, Moist Woods, Savannas, Woodlands
Growth form
Single trunk
Growth rate
Fast
Flower color
White
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 50 Feet
- Mature width
- 30 Feet
- Max height
- 50 Feet
- Max width
- 30 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Pollinator hot spot