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This native tree is smaller than its non-native relative, the
horse chestnut (A. hippocastanum), reaching a height and spread
of  25 to 40 feet. The
leaves are palmately compound and opposite. 1-inch-long flowers are produced
early to mid-May in 4- to 7-inch-long terminal panicles. The fruit is a
yellow, leathery capsule with deciduous prickles, becoming pale brown and
smooth as it ripens. The capsule splits open to release 1 or 2 large seeds.
The smooth, shiny, dark-brown, poisonous seeds are somewhat reminiscent
of the eye of a deer (hence the name, "buckeye"). |
Facing Parks Library from LeBaron
and before crossing Morrill Drive, the Ohio buckeye is to your left, growing
on the grass triangle.
