Aesculus glabra seeds grow into the Ohio buckeye the state tree of Ohio and one of the most distinctive deciduous trees of the temperate forests of south-eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States, from Ontario south through the great arc of states from Pennsylvania and New York to Oklahoma and Texas. The name ‘buckeye’ refers to the large, shiny, rich brown nuts enclosed in a spiny green husk each nut bears a pale circular scar resembling a deer’s eye, hence the name. This medium to large tree develops palmate leaves of 57 leaflets that emerge early in spring and drop early in autumn, often giving some of the first autumn colour of the season in pale yellow to orange tones. Pale yellow-green flower spikes appear in spring. The epithet glabra means ‘smooth’, referring to the hairless surfaces of the nuts, distinguishing it from related spiny-husked species. All parts are toxic if ingested. Family Sapindaceae.

Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to a range of moist, well-drained soils. Best in deep, rich bottomland or upland forest soils. A native American species with strong regional character and cultural significance.

• Large shiny brown ‘buckeye’ nuts in spiny husks the state tree of Ohio; distinctive identification feature
• Palmate leaves of 57 leaflets; early autumn colour in yellow-orange; pale yellow-green spring flower spikes
• SE. Canada to Central & E. U.S.A. temperate biome; central and eastern North America
• Epithet ‘glabra’ = smooth (smooth nut husk surface); all parts toxic if ingested
• Full sun to partial shade; moist, deep, well-drained soils

Aesculus glabra is one of the most characterful native trees of the American Midwest and east the Ohio buckeye’s distinctive spiny-husked nuts, palmate foliage and early autumn colour connect growers to one of the great forest trees of central North America, honoured as the state emblem of Ohio.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.