What's Special about the Ohio Buckeye Tree?

It's interesting how the buckeye tree is such a fascination in the state of Ohio. Ohio is considered "the buckeye state" and the buckeye nut is the mascot for The Ohio State University.

So what's so special about buckeyes?

Ohio Buckeye Tree Fruit
Fruit of the Ohio Buckeye Tree

The Name

The name “Buckeye” came from the Native Americans who noticed that the glossy, chestnut-brown seeds with the lighter circular “eye” looked very similar to the eye of a buck (male) deer.

The Buckeye Nut

The nut is probably the main attraction of the tree. As kids, we used to collect them by the bushel basket. We never did anything with them but we thought they were "cool".

The nut is a glossy brown color and very smooth. The nuts are contained in a spiny hull until they ripen in September. The hull opens and they fall to the ground. Many times there are multiple nuts in a hull.

The nuts are slightly poisonous and shouldn't be eaten unless they are heated and leached.

Used by Native Americans and Early Settlers

Native Americans roasted, peeled and mashed the buckeye nut, which they called “Hetuck,” into a nutritional meal.

Early travelers carried the rare buckeye to the east with them and reported its medicinal properties. The nut was believed to help with spinal treatments.

Ohio Buckeye Nut
Nut from the Ohio Buckeye Tree

Good Luck Charm

The nut of the buckeye tree is also considered to be a good luck charm and also a relief for rheumatism pain if you carry it in your pocket. Try it and let us know if it works for you. Even if you don't find good fortune by carrying it around it's still an interesting looking nut.

The Buckeye State

Most people are aware that Ohio is known as the Buckeye State, but why? How did a state become associated with a nut-bearing tree? During football season the folks in Michigan probably have a few ideas of their own.

One of the stories is that it originated from the presidential campaign of General William Henry Harrison n 1840.

A log cabin decorated with raccoon skins and a string of buckeyes became the symbol of Harrison's campaign. The following became his campaign song:

“Oh where, tell me where was your buckeye cabin made?
Twas built among the merry boys who wield the plough and spade,
Where the log cabins stand, in the bonnie buckeye shade.

Oh what, tell me what is to be your cabin’s fate?
We’ll wheel it to the capital and place it there elate,
for a token and a sign of the bonnie Buckeye state.”

As a result, citizens of Ohio became known as “Buckeyes.”

Ohio Symbols Buckeye Tree
Bloom of the Ohio Buckeye Tree

Additional Information:

The buckeye tree was officially adapted as the state tree on October 2, 1953.

Buckeye Nut Pictures

Ohio Buckeye Tree Fruit
Buckeye Fruit
Buckeye Nuts
Buckeye Nuts
Buckeye Nuts
Buckeye Nuts

Buckeye Tree Facts:

Ohio Buckeye Tree, Aesculus glabra
  • Size: small tree of central states, chiefly of Ohio and Mississippi Valley regions, 30’-50’ in height, 2’-3’ in diameter
  • Growth: grows best in deep fertile soils, will usually reach maturity in 60-80 years
  • Leaves: palmately compound with five nearly elliptical, serrate leaflets 4” - 6” long
  • Buds: large terminal bud (nonresinous)
  • Branching: stout limbs in opposite positioning
  • Bark: grey, scaly plates
  • Flowers: showy, pale white to greenish yellow, branched clusters 4” -6” long
  • Fruit (nut): 1” -2” seed capsule, somewhat spiny with 1-5 non-edible seeds (nuts) inside
    Other information: also known a fetid buckeye, stinking buckeye. It is one of the first trees to leaf out in the spring and drops its leaves early in the fall. Fall leaf coloration is orange to red
  • Uses: today mostly pulp; in the past - furniture, crates, pallets, caskets, artificial human limbs
  • Folklore: nut is considered a good luck charm, relieves pain of arthritis and rheumatism, resembles the eye of the buck deer
  • State Champion Big Tree: circumference - 140”; height 77’ crown spread - 64’; location - Greenwich, Huron County

Continue reading here: The Oak Openings Region

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Readers' Questions

  • Davide
    Do buckeye trees produce every year?
    6 months ago
  • Buckeye trees (Aesculus genus) commonly produce fruits, commonly known as buckeyes, on an annual basis. These fruits contain shiny nuts that resemble chestnuts and are enclosed in a spiky husk. However, the quantity of fruits produced may vary from year to year depending on environmental conditions, such as weather, and the tree's overall health and age. Additionally, younger buckeye trees may take a few years to start producing fruits regularly.
    • Ismo
      How fast do buckeye trees grow?
      7 months ago
    • Buckeye trees (Aesculus species) typically grow at a moderate rate. On average, they can grow up to 1-2 feet per year. However, the growth rate may vary depending on the specific species, environmental conditions, and other factors.
      • Mandy
        What is ohios state tree?
        7 months ago
      • The state tree of Ohio is the Ohio buckeye tree (Aesculus glabra).
        • priscilla
          What animals eat buckeyes?
          8 months ago
        • Buckeyes are the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, and they are toxic to most animals, including humans. However, there are some animals that have developed a tolerance for buckeyes and can eat them. These animals include squirrels, deer, and some species of birds, such as woodpeckers and jays. It is important to note that while these animals may eat buckeyes, they typically do so in small quantities and can tolerate the toxins.
          • Azeglio Trentini
            Where did buckeyes originate?
            8 months ago
          • ANJA
            How long does it take to grow a buckeye tree?
            9 months ago
          • It takes about three to five years for a Buckeye tree to become established and reach its mature size.
            • ANNA SCHIFFER
              Why is ohio state called the buckeyes?
              9 months ago
            • Ohio State University is commonly referred to as the Buckeyes due to the state tree of Ohio, which is the Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra). The nickname "Buckeyes" was established in the early 1900s, and it is believed to have originated from the buckeye tree's nuts, which closely resemble the shape and coloration of a deer's eye. Moreover, the buckeye tree is native to Ohio and holds cultural significance for the state. The term Buckeyes is now synonymous with Ohio State University and its athletic teams.
              • geronima
                Do deer eat buckeye nuts?
                9 months ago
              • No, deer do not typically eat buckeye nuts. Buckeye nuts, also known as horse chestnuts, are not a preferred food source for deer. They contain a toxic compound called saponin, which can make animals sick if ingested in large quantities. Deer usually avoid buckeye nuts and prefer to feed on a variety of leaves, grasses, twigs, and other plants.
                • Taija
                  Why do they call ohio the buckeye state?
                  9 months ago
                • Ohio is called the "Buckeye State" because the state is home to a significant number of buckeye trees, particularly the Ohio buckeye tree (Aesculus glabra). The buckeye tree is native to the state and produces seeds that resemble the eye of a deer or buck. These seeds are commonly known as buckeyes and are considered a symbol of the state. Furthermore, the buckeye tree is the official state tree of Ohio, and the name stuck as a nickname for the state.
                  • jasmine
                    What are buckeye trees good for?
                    9 months ago
                  • Buckeye trees (genus Aesculus) are known for their unique foliage and large, rounded nuts called buckeyes. Although buckeye trees have limited commercial uses, they do offer several benefits:
                    1. Ornamental Purposes: Buckeye trees are often planted as ornamental trees in parks, gardens, and avenues due to their attractive appearance. They feature large, palmate leaves with five to seven leaflets, providing shade and adding aesthetic value to landscapes.
                    2. Wildlife Habitat: Buckeye trees serve as valuable habitat for various wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and deer. They provide nesting sites, shelter, and food sources such as buckeye nuts, attracting and supporting diverse wildlife populations.
                    3. Erosion Control: Buckeye trees have deep and extensive root systems that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Their root networks play a crucial role in retaining soil moisture, reducing runoff, and holding the ground in place, making them useful in erosion-prone areas.
                    4. Medicinal Uses (Limited): Traditional medicine practices ascribe certain medicinal properties to buckeye tree parts. However, it should be noted that consuming buckeyes or any other parts of the tree can be toxic and should only be done under appropriate guidance and supervision.
                    5. Overall, while buckeye trees may not have many direct uses, they contribute to ecological balance, aesthetics, and wildlife support in their native habitats.
                    • ines
                      What kind of trees do buckeyes come from?
                      10 months ago
                    • Buckeyes are a type of nut that comes from the Ohio Buckeye Tree, a species of large deciduous tree native to the Central and Eastern United States.
                      • Karly Alexander
                        Where do buckeye trees grow?
                        11 months ago
                      • Buckeye trees can be found in many parts of the United States, mostly in the east and midwest. They are native to deciduous forests in the Appalachian Mountains, Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, and the Great Lakes regions.
                        • amanda
                          Are buckeyes poisonous to squirrels?
                          11 months ago
                        • No, buckeyes are not poisonous to squirrels. They are a food source for squirrels and other wildlife, containing starch and oils that provide an important energy source.
                          • dewayne
                            Are buckeyes poisonous to humans?
                            11 months ago
                          • No, buckeyes are not poisonous to humans. The buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a large deciduous tree that produces a nut in the shape of a star or cross. This nut is technically edible, but it does contain a small amount of a toxin that could cause an upset stomach if eaten in large quantities. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid eating buckeyes in large amounts.
                            • KAARLE
                              What animal eats buckeyes?
                              12 months ago
                            • Squirrels are known to feed on buckeyes.
                              • Walter
                                Why is ohio called the buckeye state?
                                12 months ago
                              • Ohio is nicknamed the Buckeye State in honor of the state tree, the Ohio Buckeye. The Ohio Buckeye tree is native to Ohio and is the state tree of Ohio.
                                • abdullah
                                  When do buckeye trees produce nuts?
                                  12 months ago
                                • Buckeye trees typically produce nuts in the fall. Nuts typically ripen in late October to mid-November, depending on the variety.
                                  • primula
                                    What is special about ohio?
                                    1 year ago
                                  • Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, hosting Wright Brothers first successful flight in 1903. Ohio is also a major agricultural producer, producing much of the nation's corn, soybeans and buckeye nuts. Ohio is sometimes known as "The Heart of it All" due to its central location within the Northern and Midwestern states. Ohio has a diverse population, with a rich history in civil rights and a thriving culture of art, music and food.
                                    • nicola
                                      How to plant buckeye tree seeds?
                                      1 year ago
                                      1. Collect the buckeye tree seeds in the fall when they are ripe.
                                      2. Soak the buckeye tree seeds for 24 hours in room-temperature water.
                                      3. Fill small pots with planting mix and make a hole in each pot that is 1/2 inch deep.
                                      4. Place one buckeye tree seed in each hole, covering it with soil.
                                      5. Place the pots in a warm, sunny location, such as a windowsill.
                                      6. Keep the soil moist by lightly misting it every day.
                                      7. When the buckeye tree seedlings are 3 inches tall, carefully transplant them into larger pots with fresh potting soil.
                                      8. Plant the buckeye tree seedlings in an area where they will receive plenty of sunlight and where the soil will be well-drained.
                                      9. Water the buckeye tree seedlings regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
                                      10. Fertilize your buckeye tree seedlings every month with an all-purpose fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
                                      • Ranugad
                                        Are buckeyes poisonous?
                                        1 year ago
                                      • No, buckeyes are not poisonous. The seeds, leaves, and bark of the buckeye tree contain a toxin called aesculin, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. However, the amount of aesculin in each seed is so small that it would not cause any harm.
                                        • abbi watson
                                          What is the state tree of ohio?
                                          1 year ago
                                        • The state tree of Ohio is the Buckeye (Aesculus glabra).
                                          • MONIKA
                                            What is the role of the ohio buckeye tree in the environment?
                                            1 year ago
                                          • The Ohio buckeye tree plays an important role in the environment and provides numerous benefits to humans and wildlife alike. The tree's leaves and nuts provide food for birds, small mammals, and an assortment of other wildlife. The tree's bark and wood are used to construct furniture and buildings, and its wood is often used as firewood. The tree also provides shade and shelter, and its expansive root system helps to reduce soil erosion. Finally, Ohio buckeye trees help to filter and purify water by providing a natural layer of protective bark and foliage.
                                            • ARVI
                                              Where can i find buckeyes?
                                              1 year ago
                                            • Buckeyes can be found at many grocery stores and specialty markets, as well as online. Additionally, certain tree species, such as the Ohio buckeye, can be found in the wild in many parts of the United States.
                                              • belba
                                                What state is called the buckeye state?
                                                1 year ago
                                              • The state referred to as the "Buckeye State" is Ohio.
                                                • cipriano
                                                  Where to find buckeye nuts?
                                                  1 year ago
                                                • Buckeye nuts can be found in the forested areas of the eastern United States, primarily in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. They can also be found in stores that specialize in nuts and nuts edible products.
                                                  • filibert
                                                    How to plant a buckeye tree from a nut?
                                                    1 year ago
                                                    1. Place the buckeye nut into a plastic container filled with potting soil.
                                                    2. Cover the nut with 1-2 inches of soil and lightly water.
                                                    3. Place the container in a sunny spot in your yard and water regularly.
                                                    4. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and fertilize the soil periodically with a balanced fertilizer.
                                                    5. After the buckeye nut begins to sprout, remove it from the container and move it to a more permanent spot in your yard.
                                                    6. Dig a hole large enough for the buckeye tree and plant it at the same depth as it was in the container.
                                                    7. Backfill the hole with soil and pack it lightly.
                                                    8. Gently water the tree and continue to water and fertilize it regularly.
                                                    • sandro
                                                      Are buckeye nuts poisonous?
                                                      1 year ago
                                                    • Yes, buckeye nuts are toxic and potentially poisonous if eaten. The nuts contain a compound called toxic alkaloid called abrin, which can be fatal if ingested.
                                                      • Kia
                                                        How to grow a buckeye tree from a nut?
                                                        1 year ago
                                                        1. Gather several buckeye nuts and soak them in lukewarm water for 12-24 hours to soften the hulls.
                                                        2. Plant the nuts about 1 inch deep into a well-drained, sunny location in your garden.
                                                        3. Water the nuts as needed during dry spells, but don’t overwater them.
                                                        4. Keep the bed weeded, as weeds will compete for nutrients and water.
                                                        5. Buckeye trees are slow growing, so be patient and wait for the nut to sprout. You may start to see signs of life in 4 to 6 weeks.
                                                        6. Once the seedling is about 6-8 inches tall, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help it retain moisture and protect it from weeds.
                                                        7. Your tree should be ready to transplant into its permanent location after two growing seasons.
                                                        • lester hogan
                                                          Are buckeye nuts edible?
                                                          1 year ago
                                                        • Yes, buckeye nuts are edible. They are usually harvested in the fall and taste like a sweet chestnut. However, the skin of the nut is toxic and must be removed before consuming.
                                                          • bruto
                                                            Are buckeyes good luck?
                                                            1 year ago
                                                          • Some people believe that the buckeye tree and the buckeye nut bring good luck when they are carried. The belief is thought to have originated in the belief that carrying a buckeye will bring health, luck, and fortune.