Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Chhe (en.wikipedia.org) ( talk (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Sapindaceae
- Genus:
- Aesculus
- Species:
- Aesculus glabra
- USDA Symbol:
- AEGL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow-green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in floodplains and riverbanks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; germination occurs in spring after soil warms.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 120-150 days. They can be sown in fall after processing or in spring after stratification.
Establishment: Seeds are typically purchased from local collectors within a 50 mile radius of the nursery. The general distribution of Ohio buckeye is found on moist, rich soils from Pennsylvania south to Nebraska and Oklahoma and east to Tennessee. Conflicting information on the exact period of cold moist stratification (120 days vs 5 months).
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow at 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 3 months. * hydrophilic, germination unlikely with stored seed
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)