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Similar but less problematic plants:
Aesculus flava Tree in full bloom
Aesculus glabra is often confused with:
Aesculus 'Homestead' Inflorescence
Eleutherococcus sieboldianus Eleutherococcus sieboldianus
Native alternative(s) for Aesculus glabra:
Aesculus flava Tree in full bloom
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Prunus pensylvanica Form
Prunus serotina Form
Robinia x ambigua 'Idahoensis'
Aesculus glabra has some common insect problems:
Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes
Japanese Beetles on Ornamental Landscape Plants

Fetid Buckeye Aesculus glabra

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
ES-kew-lus GLAY-brah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Ohio Buckeye is a low-branched, small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the Sapindaceae (maple) family that typically grows 20-40’ (less frequently to 75’).   It works well in remote or more naturalized areas of a landscape or in a woodland garden.  It has corky gray bark. Trees show a variable amount of fall color due to differences in seedlings but are most typically yellow with some oranges and red. 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.

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#nectar plant#fall interest#showy fruits#messy#messy fruits#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#nectar plant#fall interest#showy fruits#messy#messy fruits#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Aesculus
    Species:
    glabra
    Family:
    Sapindaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    USA, Southern
    Distribution:
    OH river valley, Great Plains, Southern Appalachians
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts butterflies.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 29 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Oval
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Available Space To Plant:
    24-60 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    warty or prickly, leathery capsule with 1-3 shiny, brown seeds, each with a pale scar (the "buck's eye")
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Appear in May, yellow/green in a terminal cluster, the stamens somewhat longer than the 4 petals
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    5-7 leaflets that are smooth, without hairs.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    Yes
    Stem Description:
    Unpleasant aroma.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Shade Tree
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Messy
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Glycoside aesculin, saponin aescin, possibly alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Stems