However, buckeye trees are native to North America, and horse chestnuts come from Europe. Both horse chestnuts and buckeyes belong to the same tree genus Aesculus. The main difference between buckeyes and horse chestnuts is their height, number of seeds, and leaf size. What is the Difference Between Buckeyes and Horse Chestnuts? Interestingly, squirrels can eat raw buckeye nuts and are one of the few animals that can do so. Ingesting the poisonous seeds causes similar symptoms as for humans-vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even coma. The US Department of Agriculture ( USDA) says that ingesting any part of buckeye plants can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, muscle weakness, and paralysis.īuckeye seeds, leaves, and bark are also poisonous for cats, dogs, and livestock. The only way to use these inedible buckeye seeds is in crafts. Because of its toxicity, you shouldn’t eat any part of the Ohio buckeye or other buckeye species. All Parts of The Buckeye Tree are Poisonousīuckeyes seeds, stems, leaves, and bark all contain toxins. Most Ohio buckeyes have five leaflets with pointed tips, and the yellow buckeye often has seven ovate-shaped leaflets. The shiny brown seeds have a deep brown color and whitish round patch-like a deer’s eye.īuckeye leaves are identified by the five or seven leaflets arranged in a semicircle at the end of a long stalk. The round fruits are encased in a brown husk with spines. The easiest way to identify buckeye trees ( Aesculus) is by the buckeye nuts. To identify a buckeye tree, such as the Ohio buckeye, look at the tree’s seeds, leaves, and flowers. In full bloom during April and May, the Ohio buckeye or California buckeye can have thousands of fragrant flowering panicles. The panicles can contain around 80 flowers and grow up to 6” (15 cm) long. Other buckeye trees produce pink and red flowers. The buckeye tree is a flowering tree species with conical clusters (panicles) of tiny flowers with creamy yellow to green petals. In the right picture flowers of yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava) Left picture: flowers of red buckeye (Aesculus pavia). Buckeyes are also a name for candy that looks like the buckeye tree’s seed. The term “buckeyes” can refer to people from Ohio or graduates of Ohio State University. As the common name suggests, the Ohio buckeye is the state’s national tree. Ohio buckeyes are found all the way from New York to Kentucky and down to Texas.īuckeyes get their name from the tree fruit-a round chestnut-like seed that looks like the eye of a buck. They are also popular trees in parks and open spaces in states along the East Coast and the Southern states. You can find buckeyes growing in the deciduous forests and grasslands in the Midwest. Buckeyes are common trees in North America.īuckeye trees grow between 12 and 40 ft. The most popular buckeye is the species Aesculus glabra, or Ohio buckeye tree. There are four main varieties of buckeye trees. What are Buckeyes?īuckeyes are deciduous ornamental trees that are popular in parks and open spacesīuckeye is a variety of ornamental trees in the genus Aesculus and family Sapindaceae. At the end of the article, you’ll find out how to care for these native trees. Descriptions of the tree’s leaves and flowers, along with pictures of buckeye trees, will help to recognize the most common species. This article is a guide to identifying the most common types of buckeyes. With their conical flower panicles and vibrant orange fall colors, buckeyes are trees with plenty of seasonal interest. The tall trees with their leafy green foliage provide plenty of shade. Buckeye trees are identified by their large round inedible nut-like seeds, green palmately compound leaves, and creamy-yellow or red flower clusters.īuckeyes are excellent ornamental trees for medium to large backyards. Common varieties of buckeyes are the Ohio buckeye, the California buckeye, and the yellow buckeye. Share on Email Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInīuckeyes ( Aesculus) are a species of large deciduous tree that is related to the horse chestnut tree.
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