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Ohio buckeye

Scientific Name: Aesculus glabra var. arguta

Family: Hippocastanaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

The Aesculus glabra, commonly known as Ohio buckeye, American buckeye, or fetid buckeye, holds a significant place in Ohio's identity. It is the state tree of Ohio and the namesake of The Ohio State University's sports teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text references that the Ohio buckeye is toxic when taken internally.
  • The text notes that all parts of the plant (leaves, bark) are poisonous.
  • The plant produces nuts.

Considerations for Children

  • The text references that the Ohio buckeye is toxic when taken internally.
  • The text notes that all parts of the plant (leaves, bark) are poisonous.
  • The plant produces nuts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aesculus glabra Willd.
  • Common Names: Ohio buckeye, American buckeye, fetid buckeye.
  • Family: Hippocastanaceae (Horsechestnut family)
  • Aesculus is a genus containing 13-19 species, also called horse chestnuts.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Ohio buckeye is native to America.
  • It is primarily found as an understory tree in the western half of Ohio, where soils are more alkaline.
  • Its range extends to northern Iowa, northern Illinois, and Michigan.
  • It can occur throughout Kentucky, especially in the Bluegrass region and Western Kentucky.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Buckeyes are often small trees, with a spread nearly equal to their height.
  • Ohio and yellow buckeyes are some of the larger species in the family, with significant height.
  • The Ohio buckeye typically grows to 40-60 feet tall, forming a single trunk about 1-2 feet across.
  • Leaves are opposite and palmately compound, with 5 leaflets.
  • The plant produces small, shiny, dark brown nuts with a light tan patch.

Environmental Requirements

  • The Ohio buckeye is adapted to a variety of soils, but prefers moist loams.
  • It thrives in soil pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5.
  • Leaf scorch can be a problem on dry sites.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "Buckeye" presumably originates from local usage in the early days of settlement in Ohio.
  • Ohio is nicknamed "The Buckeye State" partly because many buckeye trees once covered Ohio's hills and plains.
  • The buckeye nut serves as the mascot for The Ohio State University.

Further Information

  • Veterinary Medicine Library: Provides information on distribution, conditions of poisoning, and control measures related to the Ohio buckeye.
  • The Ohio State University: Offers expertise and resources related to buckeye trees.