Pronounced (approximate): ES-kew-lus GLAY-brah
Opposite leaves are palmately compound, usually with five to seven toothed leaflets. Spring flowers form upright clusters at the ends of branches.
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra): flowers and foliage. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Sapindaceae
Life cycle Deciduous tree
Blooms Spring
Height Usually 20–40 feet
Habitat Rich woodland, stream valleys, and moist well-drained slopes
Common names
Ohio Buckeye · Fetid Buckeye
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Rich woodland, stream valleys, and moist well-drained slopes. Flowering season: spring.
Compare leaf arrangement, flowers, and fruit together when identifying buckeyes. The capsules and seeds provide useful later-season views of the same tree.
Opposite leaves are palmately compound, usually with five to seven toothed leaflets.
Leathery, warty or prickly capsules enclose glossy brown seeds with pale scars.
Look for deciduous tree growth in rich woodland, stream valleys, and moist well-drained slopes. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
12 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States; also planted outside its natural range.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, WV
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Ohio Buckeye in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.