Return to Hardwoods

Buckeye

Buckeye
Buckeye

Buckeye
Sweet buckeye – Aesculus octandra
Horse-chestnut – Aesculus hippocastanum

Buckeye is not native to Delaware (Ohio, of course, is well-known as the “Buckeye State”) but it is widely planted because of its showy flowers and vibrant fall color. Its leaves have a distinctive palm  shape with five leaflets, however its timber lacks commercial value.

Buckeye leaves are compound with five narrow oval leaflets. The fruit is a spiny capsule that contains two dark-brown, shiny seeds – each with a distinct “eye”.

Horse-chestnut – Aesculus hippocastanum
LocationPointsC.B.H.HeightCrown
4185 St. George’s Rd., St. Georges, DE2191455868
Bellevue State Park, Wilmington, DE2161327055
Sweet buckeye – Aescculus octandra
LocationPointsC.B.H.HeightCrown
Hagley Museum, Wilmington, DE2101227936