Buckeye—National Tree Candidate (2024)

Buckeyes are distinctive trees, known for their early spring flowers and for the seeds that have inspired the name of this unique family of trees. The nut-like seeds are shiny and dark brown, with a light-colored spot that gives them the appearance of a deer’s eye. These seeds are popularly believed to bring good luck, and school children especially still carry them in their pockets as a charm. And while highly poisonous, buckeye seeds contain much protein and were used as a food source by Native Americans who boiled and leached them to remove their toxins.

Buckeyes are often small trees, with a spread nearly equal to their height. Ohio and yellow buckeyes are some of the larger species in this family, with heights of 50 feet or more. What makes buckeyes especially unique is their early spring flowers, which bloom as early as many woodland wildflowers. As well as greening up early, buckeyes also lose their leaves before most other trees in the fall. The wood of the buckeyes is pale and light, and it is sometimes used for paper, crate, and novelty item production. There are seven species of buckeye native to the United States, mostly found in the eastern half of the country.

The Buckeye’s Place in History

As well as the belief in the good fortune of its storied seed, the buckeye has been held to cure rheumatism and other, more minor ailments. Pioneering farm families also made soap from the kernels of buckeye seeds, and many a child’s cradle was carved from the wood of this tree. Before the advent of synthetic materials, buckeye wood was used to make artificial limbs.

Some Common Species

Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is an attractive tree often recognized by its rounded canopy and thick, deeply fissured, gray bark. The tree is valued for its early, showy spring flowers and for the equally early and striking orange and yellow color show its leaves produce in autumn or late summer. Ohio buckeye is seldom used as a street tree because of the odor it produces when damaged, giving it the popular name of Fetid Buckeye, and because of litter from its dropping fruit and leaves. Ohio buckeye’s natural range extends from Ohio and western Pennsylvania to parts of Alabama, and westward to areas of Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. (Grows in hardiness zones 4 to 7.)

California buckeye (Aesculus californica) is the unique western buckeye species. This little tree, usually no taller than 25 feet, grows in California’s coastal ranges and on western slopes. It is an especially lovely tree in spring, sure to be remembered by those who have seen it in full flower, with its low branches and five- to ten-inch groups of blossoms. (Grows in hardiness zones 6 to 8.)

Buckeye—National Tree Candidate (2024)

FAQs

Why was the Buckeye tree chosen to represent Ohio? ›

Ohio may have become known as the Buckeye State simply because many large, economically important buckeye trees grew in the Ohio region at that time. Another possibility was proposed by the pioneer historian S. P. Hildreth of Marietta, Ohio, who told how Col.

Why is the buckeye tree important? ›

The Buckeye's Place in History

As well as the belief in the good fortune of its storied seed, the buckeye has been held to cure rheumatism and other, more minor ailments. Pioneering farm families also made soap from the kernels of buckeye seeds, and many a child's cradle was carved from the wood of this tree.

What does a buckeye symbolize? ›

A small, shiny, dark brown nut with a light tan patch that comes from the official state tree of Ohio, the buckeye tree. According to folklore, the Buckeye resembles the eye of a deer and carrying one brings good luck.

What does hetuck mean? ›

By the Indians the buckeye was called "Hetuck", meaning the. eye of the buck, because of the striking resemblance of the seed both. in color, shape and appearance to the eye of the buck.

Why are they called Buckeyes? ›

The term buckeye has widely been used to describe residents of Ohio in general since the mid 1800s. It became popular when supporters of William Henry Harrison's successful presidential campaign carved souvenirs out of buckeye wood.

What is the legend of the Buckeye tree? ›

During September, buckeyes, which are large, shiny brown seeds, can be found underneath Aesculus trees. According to legend, carrying a pocketful of buckeyes brings good luck. Early Native Americans called these seeds buckeyes for their resemblance to the eyes of male deer, known as bucks.

What does it mean when someone calls you a buckeye? ›

Meaning of Buckeye in English

someone from the U.S. state of Ohio: It's so nice to meet another Buckeye! The restaurant was popular among young Buckeyes.

Is buckeye a good luck or bad luck? ›

According to folklore, the buckeye or nuts that fall from the tree resemble the eye of a deer buck, and carrying one brings good luck.

What is the history of the buckeye? ›

Ohio is known as the Buckeye State because buckeye trees were prevalent in the area when the territory was settled in the late 18th century. The buckeye gets its name from its distinctive nutlike seed that, when dried, appears a rich, dark brown color with a single lighter brown spot that resembles the eye of a deer.

Can you eat buckeyes? ›

Poisonous Plant: All parts of the plant (leaves, bark, fruit) are highly toxic if ingested – because of the glycoside aesculin, the saponin aescin, and possibly alkaloids. Symptoms are muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor.

What is the motto of Ohio? ›

What is the history of the Ohio Buckeye? ›

Ohio is known as the Buckeye State because buckeye trees were prevalent in the area when the territory was settled in the late 18th century. The buckeye gets its name from its distinctive nutlike seed that, when dried, appears a rich, dark brown color with a single lighter brown spot that resembles the eye of a deer.

Why was the Ohio State flower chosen? ›

Ohio adopted its official state flower, the red carnation, in 1904. The state Legislature chose the red carnation to honor President William McKinley, an Ohioan, who was assassinated in 1901. McKinley liked to wear red carnations stuck in his buttonhole on the lapel of his jacket.

What does the Ohio State Buckeye leaf represent? ›

The design of the Ohio State Buckeye leaf was originally drawn in 1950 by alumnus and comic strip artist Milton Caniff and was intended to represent the buckeye tree as a symbol for strength and sturdiness of all Ohio State students.

Why is osu mascot a buckeye? ›

At the time, mascots were generally animals brought into the stadium or arena. A buck deer was contemplated, but, because bringing live animals as mascots was common at the time, this was rejected as impossible. Instead, the buckeye was selected, as the buckeye is the official state tree of Ohio.

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