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”.