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| Leaf Photo by: Sean Fox |
Bark Photo by: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
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| Flower Photo by: Steven J. Baskauf |
Tree Photo by: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
Young shoots and seeds of Ohio buckeye are poisonous to cattle but squirrels are known to eat the inner pith for raffinose, an 18-carbon sugar molecule that is sweeter than sucrose.
Ohio buckeye was recently found growing naturally in Southwestern Ontario near Lake St. Clair, though it is common in the Midwestern United States. It is occasionally found planted as an ornamental elsewhere in Southern Ontario.
Ohio buckeye has large, compound leaves, with 5-7 pointed leaflets radiating outwards from the end of a central stalk like fingers on a hand. It has upright clusters of yellow-green flowers in spring. The large brown seeds are sometimes called “conkers”, since this tree is related to the European Horsechestnut.
Since the only known native stand of Ohio buckeye is located on a First Nations Reserve, it is best to replant seeds from established landscape trees in your area or to talk to your local Ministry of Natural Resources biologist for planting stock options.
Size: Up to 15 m tall
Moisture: Prefers evenly moist sites
Shade: Tolerates full shade but partial shade best
Soil: Adaptable to all but heaviest sites, tolerates high pH
Planting Tip: Ohio buckeye can drop its leaves early if planted on light soils or because of summer droughts. To avoid this, water well in the first two seasons after planting and mulch heavily to maintain good health. More tips...
