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.
Best time to see a Ohio Buckeye
The best time to see a Ohio Buckeye is April–May, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,263 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ohio Buckeye? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ohio Buckeye sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Ohio Buckeye? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Ohio Buckeye is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.