Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

A wide and round tree 35’X20’ with medium growth and a preference for well drained and moist soils. Very pretty white flowers in late spring developing interesting inedible spiny fruits in the summer. It turns to oranges and yellows in the fall and is often one of the first trees to drop its leaves. It has interesting spiky fruits with hard nuts inside. The leaves, twigs and bark have an unpleasant smell when crushed. Every part of the tree is considered poisonous to humans and cattle, however, squirrels are known to favor the fruit.

Common Problems:

Environmental:

Needs a well drained and fertile soil.

Diseases:

Leaf Spot, Leaf Scorch and Powdery Mildew

Pests:

None of major concern.

History And Use:

The nuts contain tannic acid which make them poisonous. Native American’s extracted the acid and used it in tanning leather. Children seem to enjoy the spiky fruits as play things.