Aesculus glabra Ohio buckeye (Hippocastanaceae) Deciduous tree

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Aesculus glabra
Ohio buckeye
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Aesculus glabra plant species is found in Southeastern and Central N. America - Pennsylvania to Nebraska, south to Tennessee and Oklahoma. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Ohio buckeye.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aesculus glabra
Common Name:  Ohio buckeye
Family:  Hippocastanaceae
Author:  Willd.

Known Hazards:  The seed is rich in saponins. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  20   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Usually found in moist sites such as river bottoms and streambank soils, but it is sometimes also found on drier sites though does not grow so well there[229].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy[1, 11]. This species is the state tree of Ohio[229]. Its growth-rate is moderate in the wild, with trees living up to 100 years[229]. In Britain, it grows best in eastern and southeastern areas of England probably needing a continental climate in order to thrive[126, 200]. Although the trees are hardy when dormant, the new growth can be damaged by late spring frosts[11]. The twigs, bark, flowers and leaves all produce a foetid odour if crushed[229]. Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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