The Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a distinctive tree strongly associated with the state of Ohio. Its common name comes from its unique fruit. The term “buckeye” refers to both the tree and its characteristic seed: a dark, shiny nut with a prominent lighter patch. This tree and its seed hold a significant place in Ohio’s cultural identity.
Understanding the Ohio Buckeye Tree
The Ohio buckeye is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet, though some specimens can reach up to 75 feet with a spread of 20 to 40 feet. Its bark is gray and often appears scaly or warty with age. The leaves are palmately compound, meaning they radiate from a central point like fingers on a hand, usually with five to seven yellowish-green, serrated leaflets. When crushed, the leaves, twigs, and bark can emit an unpleasant odor, leading to its alternate name, “fetid buckeye.”
This tree is native to the Midwestern and lower Great Plains regions of the United States, including Ohio, where it is commonly found along streambanks and in woodlands. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from partial sun to full shade, though it prefers some shade in its early growth. Ohio buckeye can be susceptible to leaf scorch and blotch, especially in dry or hot conditions, which may cause premature leaf drop.
The Distinctive Buckeye Nut
The fruit of the Ohio buckeye tree is a globular, dehiscent capsule, typically light brown and covered with warty spines, which ripens in late summer or early fall. Inside this husk, one to three seeds develop. These seeds are the “buckeye nuts,” characterized by their smooth, shiny, reddish-brown surface and a prominent, lighter tan or gray scar.
The appearance of this scar on the dark nut is said to resemble the eye of a male deer, giving rise to the name “buckeye.” These nuts are hard and approximately 1 to 2 inches in length. Once ripe, the outer husk splits open, releasing the distinctive seeds.
Why “Ohio” and Its Cultural Significance
The Ohio buckeye holds deep cultural significance for the state of Ohio, earning it the nickname “The Buckeye State.” The tree was formally designated as Ohio’s official state tree in 1953. The term “buckeye” has been used to refer to residents of Ohio since the mid-1800s, gaining popularity during William Henry Harrison’s 1840 presidential campaign when his supporters used buckeye wood for souvenirs.
The Ohio State University features an anthropomorphic buckeye nut named Brutus Buckeye as its athletic mascot. Introduced in 1965, the mascot was chosen after a live deer was deemed impractical. Beyond the tree and its nuts, the cultural impact extends to a popular confectionery: buckeye candy. These treats are made from peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate, mimicking the light spot on the actual buckeye nut.
Safety Considerations
All parts of the Ohio buckeye plant, including the leaves, bark, fruit, and especially the nuts, are toxic if ingested. This toxicity is due to compounds such as glycosides, including aesculin and fraxin, and saponins. These substances can cause a range of adverse effects in humans and many animals.
Symptoms of poisoning can include muscle weakness, paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and stupor. Caution is important around Ohio buckeye trees, particularly with children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. The nuts should not be consumed or used for medicinal purposes without expert guidance. Historically, some Native American tribes reportedly processed the nuts to remove toxins for certain uses, but modern consumption is not recommended.