Safety note: Seeds, leaves, and bark are toxic if ingested. The nuts require extensive processing to make edible.
Ohio Buckeye is a medium-sized tree growing 20–40 feet tall, famous as the mascot of Ohio State University and the state tree of Ohio. It produces upright spikes of pale yellow-green flowers in spring and large, prickly husked seeds — the iconic 'buckeyes' — in fall. Ohio Buckeye is one of the first trees to leaf out in spring and one of the first to color and drop leaves in fall. Despite the seeds being toxic to most animals, squirrels consume them without apparent ill effect.
Habitat
Found in rich, moist woodlands, hillsides, and stream banks across the Ohio River Valley and Midwest.
Diet
Flowers provide nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds and long-tongued bees; seeds cached by squirrels.
How common
Common
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