Ohio Buckeye

With its lightly scented flowers and showy foliage, Ohio Buckeye adds interest to any landscape. The Kelly-green palmate foliage “rises” during the spring, darkens during the summer, and “settles” during the fall into a mélange of claret, carmine, and pumpkin colors. The branches support clusters of florets in varying shades of chartreuse during spring. Growing to a maximum height and spread of 20 to 40 feet, this deciduous tree, otherwise known as Aesculus glabra, Horse chestnut, and Texas Buckeye, yields attractive yet inedible fruit known as Buckeyes during late fall. In addition to providing beauty, Ohio Buckeye with its low canopy also provides ample shade and supports the neighborhood bee colonies.

A North American original, Ohio Buckeye possesses an upright, rounded growth habit. Both deer and rabbit resistant, there is no need to worry about local critters chomping this tree’s showy foliage and flowers. Ohio Buckeye’s maintenance varies depending on the season. During the fall, as the Buckeye enter dormancy, a moderate amount of tidying up may be required.

Ohio Buckeye Care

Avoid planting Ohio Buckeye beneath power lines and in high traffic areas. Plant this perennial in average soil that drains well and provide it with at least six hours of full sun to partial shade. Water new trees weekly until established and stake if necessary the first year. Add 1 to 3 inches of mulch/compost around the tree’s base, leaving about a one-inch gap in between the tree and the mulch ring. This will encourage growth, discourage disease, and prevent unnecessary water loss. Ohio Buckeye is toxic to animals and pets, so take caution with little hands, teeth, and paws around this tree.

A spring bloomer, Ohio Buckeye should be pruned after flowering is complete. Trim dead, diseased, and damaged branches to encourage growth and deter disease by increasing air circulation. Trim also for shape, leaving at least 6 to 12 inches between branches.  

Ohio Buckeye Spacing

Ohio Buckeye is an excellent choice to create shade and to accent other landscape features. If planted in a group, space these perennials at least 20 to 40 feet apart. Hydrangeas, junipers, and hostas are superb companions to plant around or near this tree.

Ohio Buckeye Information