Aesculus glabra

Ohio buckeye is a low-branched, small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). The genus Aesculus is the Latin name for a nut-bearing oak while the specific epithet glabra means “without hairs” referencing the smooth leaves.

Ohio buckeye typically grows 20 to 40 feet (less frequently to 75 feet) with a broad rounded canopy. It has corky gray bark and has creamy to greenish-yellow flowers in the early spring. The fruit contains one to two seeds that mature in October. Trees show a variable amount of fall color due to differences in seedlings but are most typically yellow with some oranges and red. 

It works well in remote or more naturalized areas of a landscape or in a woodland garden. It grows best in deep, rich, well-drained soils in part-shade as they are prone to leaf scorch if planted in full sun and under drought conditions.

The flowers, bark, and stems, have an unpleasant odor when crushed, hence the sometimes common name of fetid buckeye.  Because this tree has a taproot it is very difficult to transplant. The seeds, leaves and bark are poisonous. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Leaf blotch, powdery mildew, anthracnose.  Leaf scorch occurs in dry or windy conditions. It can produce litter that makes it challenging around hardscapes like sidewalks and patios.