Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra
Sapindaceae
State tree of Ohio. One of first trees to leaf out, leaves sometimes brown and drop early in summer. Planting in shade helps, but decreases flower/fruit production. Large fruits may be messy to maintain.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Very Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/ pollen source for bees, hummingbirds; Seeds food source for small mammals
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 7
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
37
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade: Receives 2-4 hours of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Anthracnose, leaf scorch may cause early leaf drop in summer
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
6
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Occasional
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Rare
Bloom Color
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant to Aerial Salt Spray: Tree will not become stressed when salt drift in the air
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern