A handsome medium to large tree with obvious spring flower spikes and showy leaves. Produces the glossy and iconic buckeye nut in the fall. Dense foliage produces deep shade and is resistant to browsing. A native alternative to the European horse chestnut!

Pollination: 2+ individuals recommended.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Loam, Silt Loam, Sandy Loam

Height: 50’-75’

Width: 50’-75’

Bloom Color: Yellow, Green

Bloom Time: Apr-May

Fruit: Glossy brown nuts in a prickly husk mature in fall.

Fall Color: -

Root Type: Taproot

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract bees and early hummingbirds. Hosts a few small insects. Can host eastern mistletoe in southern Indiana.

Notes: Will often leaf out fairly early and end up losing some leaves to late frosts.  The tree replaces them quickly.  Leaves turn golden as early as late August, and often drop in September. Leaves may scorch in hot weather or drought. Nuts are mildly poisonous, but that doesn't seem to stop small mammals and deer from eating them.  Rarely browsed due to mildly poisonous leaves/bark. Sometimes considered a ‘messy’ tree due to twig and nut debris.