buckeye, horsechestnut

Buckeye and Horsechestnut trees, both part of the Aesculus family, are fantastic, spring-blooming trees perfect for adding bold structure to the landscape. Known for their large, palmate leaves and showy panicle flower clusters in reds, whites, and yellows, these trees bloom in mid to late spring and serve as valuable early-season food for bees and other pollinators. They grow best in full sun to part shade conditions with moist but well-drained soil. While similar in appearance, Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a native species (the state tree of Ohio), producing fruits that contain one seed (or nut) enclosed in a slightly spiny, golden-brown husk. Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a European cousin that shares many of the same traits but grows larger and produces fruits composed of one or two seeds (or nuts) enclosed in a spiny brown husk. For a more compact habit, look for Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora). This multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree offers the same, signature foliage and pollinator-friendly blooms, just in a more compact, shade-tolerant form. Browse our selection of Horsechestnut varieties and also Buckeye varieties online.

Plant in well-drained to moist, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Little pruning needed; shapes itself nicely. Remove dead branches or trunk suckers any time. Feed early spring and mid-summer with a slow release fertilizer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.