Quick answer: Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is native to 20 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 75 ft, often shorter |
| Wildlife value | Squirrels eat seeds, attracts hummingbirds |
All parts of this tree are poisonous if taken internally. Keep away from livestock; seeds and fruits are attractive to children and are dangerous. (glycoside aesculin and saponin aescin)
Noted as "escaping into New York" — localized naturalization, not formally regulated.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Ohio buckeye
Where is Ohio buckeye native?
Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is native to 20 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Ohio buckeye bloom?
Ohio buckeye blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Ohio buckeye need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Mature height: Up to 75 ft, often shorter.
Is Ohio buckeye good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Squirrels eat seeds, attracts hummingbirds.
Is Ohio buckeye deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Ohio buckeye is tolerates shade.
Is Ohio buckeye toxic?
All parts of this tree are poisonous if taken internally. Keep away from livestock; seeds and fruits are attractive to children and are dangerous. (glycoside aesculin and saponin aescin).
Where can I buy real Ohio buckeye seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Aesculus glabra on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Ohio buckeye.
- Downy hawthorn Crataegus mollis
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
Also listed under
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