The nut-like seed of buckeyes is toxic to humans and animals. Several types of glycosidal compounds are present in plant leaves, stems, fruits, and seeds. 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. An Equal Opportunity University. Wiki User. 5 months ago Better try the usual nuts like almonds or cashews. The name Buckeye comes from the folklore of the Native Americans who noticed that the nut of the Buckeye tree resembles the eye of a buck deer, a buck eye. Keep the planting consistently moist. The leaves can give off a strong offensive odor in the fall when crushed, which is why it also gets called the stinking buckeye. Punch holes in the lid of the container to provide air circulation. The Ohio buckeye is Ohio States symbol and is also Ohios state tree. Buckeyes naturally grow best in rich, moist, but well-drained sites and under partial shade as an understory plant. Buckeye trees are a type of deciduous tree, which means they lose their leaves every year. The large 12-inch (30-cm) flower clusters with spidery stamens give the panicle a fuzzy look. Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Buckeye nuts, the fruit of the buckeye tree, are a staple in the American Midwest. For technical support please contact the CFAES Helpdesk. By spring you should start seeing shoots. The bottlebrush buckeye is a beautiful shrub endemic to Georgia and Alabama that blooms white flowers in 1 ft (0.30 m) tall erect spikes. Invasive predators, as opposed to other types of trees, do not attack Buckeye trees, and they are not fatal to them. The root system is sparsely branched and needs deep soil with some room to spread. Buckeye seeds should be planted in soil 1 to 2 inches deep. What serves as the best method of propagation for bottlebrush buckeye? You can use the seeds to plant new Ohio buckeye trees. In addition to rooting the seed and encouraging the leaves to emerge, the game begins with the emergence of the seed. The dark brown buckeye seeds have a light-brown patch and resemble a deer's eye, therefore the . If not prepared properly though, buckeye nuts are toxic to humans, causing symptoms including weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, and death. Because of their toxin-extracting abilities, the squirrels can consume buckeyes without causing harm to themselves. It is one of the first trees to leaf out in the spring. Several of those buckeye trees fell when a 2010 tornado hit part of the arboretum, which covers about 115 acres at the colleges research arm, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The most popular buckeye is the species Aesculus glabra, or Ohio buckeye tree. A pet that eats a buckeye nut, leaves or bark will show signs of: Uneven gate Excessive diarrhea Seizures Tremors Vomiting Abundant drooling. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that ingesting any part of buckeye plants can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is also called the scarlet buckeye, firecracker buckeye, and wooly buckeye. The most popular buckeye is the species Aesculus glabra, or Ohio buckeye tree. The triangular red flower clusters contrast nicely with the dark green, leafy foliage. The best type of nut for growing buckeye trees is the Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra). Lori. Buckeyes thrive in full sun or partial shade, and its vital to keep the soil reasonably moist. shade but takes on its best form when grown in full Blooms have already come and gone. Study now. In the past, Native Americans would roast, peel, and mash the buckeye nuts into a fairly nutritional paste that they would eat. Buckeyes will also often fall from the tree once ripened so a great place to start buckeye hunting is on the ground. 28 Most Correct Answers, Does Amazon Deliver To Guam? Also called Georgia buckeye, painted buckeye is a small deciduous ornamental tree with attractive colorful flowers and lovely green leaves. Bottlebrush buckeyes grow between 8 and 12 ft. (2.4 3.5 m) and spread to 15 ft (4.5 m) wide. Its bane is a disease called leaf blotch. When buried in the ground a little, the chances of sprouting and emergence of the leaves increase by nearly 100%. Biotic factors are living organisms that affect a tree, such as. Images related to the topicWhy do some trees lose their leaves before fall? Contact Us. It is best to grow them in soils that are rich in organic matter, which is slightly acidic and moist, but well drained. The California buckeye is a small tree with a slightly rounded, flattened crown, dense leafy foliage, and sweetly-scented white flower clusters. Buckeyes can also be cooked and beaten into a paste that serves as kind of supplement used to treat arthritis. You also will need to clean up those buck eyes each fall so plantings that will not be disturbed too much by this task. soil. While stunning and noble, the buckeye tree is also a danger to humans and animals who decide to ingest any part of the tree. In some cases, however, these trees can reach heights of up to 30 feet. After turning a tan color and splitting open the three large black seeds, they can be picked in late summer. Buckeye logs were also hollowed out to make cradles in pioneer days, and settlers made hats from buckeye shavings. Magnolias are a traditional element in southern landscaping. Paul Snyder, program assistant at. Bees are drawn to them and feed on them, but the development of larvae may be affected as a result. Buckeye is a variety of ornamental trees in the genus Aesculus and family Sapindaceae. It's growing in my front, East facing yard. Because the saplings serve as perches for birds, the droppings beneath the tree can grow to the point where they sprout. Images related to the topicTree of the Week: Buckeye. Buckeyes are common trees in North America. Red Buckeye will flower well in rather dense 26. Buckeye seeds are said to bring good luck. The buckeye tree is a flowering tree species with conical clusters (panicles) of tiny flowers with creamy yellow to green petals. Keep evenly moist (but not soggy) for three weeks or until they germinate. Native Americans used to extract the tannic acid for making leather and ground the nut into a coarse . Painted buckeye flowers can be different shades of yellows, pinks, or reds. It also needs sun to partial shade. However, they normally leaf out fairly early. In California, buckeye trees typically drop their nuts in the fall. Features lustrous dark green leaves made up of 5-7 leaftlets that droop handsomely. https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-use-buckeye-for-health/, Strap-On Cleats for Ice and Snow Traction, Summer Holidays for Chicken (using Poor Man's Fibreglass), Hollow Wood Surfboard - Plywood and Cedar. Buckeyes (Aesculus) are a species of large deciduous tree that is related to the horse chestnut tree. It is native along stream banks and will not do well in dry conditions. Buckeye trees are known for their large, dark green leaves and their shiny, brown nuts. A. :). These fruits are not edible. Texas buckeye trees grow between 6 and 20 ft. (2 6 m) tall. Because of its toxicity, you shouldnt eat any part of the Ohio buckeye or other buckeye species. In the right picture flowers of yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava). Buckeyes are also known as: Ohio buckeye Horse chestnut White buckeye Texas buckeye American buckeye Fetid buckeye Stinking buckeye. In the fall buckeye trees are one of the first to turn color - If you are looking for buckeyes you often go in the early fall when the buckeyes are falling. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Destructive Nature Of Termites: What To Know About Their Behavior And How To Protect Your Home. . The wood of Ohio buckeye is light, weak and soft. Water the tree regularly and fertilize it monthly. Buckeye tree (native to Ohio) nuts are held on top of the tree until ripening in autumn, when they are released from the hull and fall to the ground. Buckeyes get their name from the tree fruita round chestnut-like seed that looks like the eye of a buck. What plants can be grown under a buckeye tree? Furthermore, the leaves, despite being the first ones to fall in autumn, have no color change. insect pests. The smell of the stinking buck-eye is so strong that it has earned the nickname Buckeye Stinking A bucks eye is the fruit of a young apricot that will begin producing in about eight years. 4. They are instead made resemble buckeye nuts using chocolate fudge and peanut butter; the chocolate serves as the shell and the peanut butter gives the illusion of the white top. Whats the difference between a buckeye and a chestnut? You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. I have also read where you can take leafy single node cuttings in June/July, treat it with a rooting hormone and place them in moist peat/perlite. by Matt | Nov 1, 2022 | Mast Trees. Buckeye tree seeds appear to be fairly resistant to freezes in December, when they are typically released to the ground. A Look At The Science Behind The Natural Remedy, The FLIR TG165: An Infrared Camera For Detecting Termites In Homes And Buildings, Act Quickly To Control And Eliminate Termites In Your Apartment, Finding The Right Professional For Termite Control. Youll find this Aesculus species growing in states from Pennsylvania to Alabama. It has a dense canopy that grows in a pleasing round shape, providing a good amount of shade. Buckeye tree growth rates vary by year, ranging between 12 and 36 inches per year. The pinnate compound leaves are made up of. Stratify the seeds by placing them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit for 120 days. Seeking Information About Variable Speed Foot Switch. The buckeye tree is a beautiful and stately tree that is native to North America. Excellent small ornamental tree for a woodland garden or near a patio. The common glycoside aesculin can also be found in daphnin, prickly box and dandelion coffee. All rights reserved. The fall is the time of year when deciduous trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves. Environmental issues are the most likely cause of less production by your tree. When blanched, the nuts will release the acid, which can be used in making leather. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Since then, weve planted about a half dozen new ones throughout the grounds, Snyder said. From, Does Mozzarella Cause Weight Gain? Red buckeyes grow between 12 and 15 ft. (3.5 4.5 m) and thrive in full sun. You will also need to water the tree regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. 6 years ago, The Buckeye is the American version of the European Horse Chestnut (aka Conker). Bottlebrush buckeye has long white cylindrical flower panicles that are clusters of small tubular flowers that have a furry appearance. The tree blooms in spring, and flowering spikes stand erect in conical clusters on the ends of branches. In order to flourish, buckeyes need deep, well-drained soil. You can plant freshly collected seeds in a gallon nursery pot and keep them moist in sand until the seeds germinate in spring. Once the first leaves appear, gently place the plants in a location where they will get the most direct sunlight. Buckeye nuts are not edible. Makes an excellent large property or park tree with ornamental blooms, casting a dense shade. Trees do not respond well to drought. They look somewhat like large hazelnuts and are sometimes known as "horse chestnuts." Both species produce yellowish flowers. The ovate or lanceolate leaves have a pointed tip and a toothed margin. The only wildlife that can truly tolerate ingesting the buckeye nut is the squirrel. At the end of the article, youll find out how to care for these native trees. Ohio buckeye flowers (left) and fruits (right). Buckeye trees produce nuts in the fall season. The dwarf red buckeye (Aesculus pavia Humilis) is a dwarf variety of the red buckeye tree. Growing buckeye trees is easy if you live in USDA zones 5 through 9. Painted buckeye ( Aesculus sylvatica , zones 6-8) is one of the first trees to leaf out in spring.It's an understory tree, typically reaching 20 feet in . Shells usually contain two or more buckeye nuts . The dull, dark green leaves turn pale yellow in fall. Buckeye leaves: Ohio buckeye tree leaves are arranged like fingers on a hand. Red buckeye may be a shrub or small tree with a height of 20 feet or more (term "tree" used herein). People in the mountains know it as a tree. Buckeye nuts are small and brown with white tops. Keep moisture in the trees roots by mulching the base of the tree, and other plants will not be hampered by it. Buckeye trees are also excellent ornamental trees, as well as shade and beauty in the garden. The buckeye tree is one of the earliest spring bloomers with showy large 12-inch long yellow-green flowers. The Aesculus glabra tree, also known as Ohio buckeye, is a species of tree in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) that can be found in North America. California buckeye ( Aesculus californica) recalls the foothills, valley margins, oak savannah and forest, and chaparral openings. N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859 (Princeton): 270-365-2667. Birds and other animals consume large, nut-like seeds produced by Ohio Buckeye plants. The tree prefers a rich, moist soil with plenty of sun to thrive. The Ohio Buckeye tree is a trademark symbol of the state. Buckeye trees only develop fruits when bumblebees or honeybees pollinate the mid- to late-spring flowers. There is no doubt that all parts of the buckeye plant are poisonous. Its actually growing quite well. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. At temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, Buckeye seeds germinate in three to four weeks. Buckeye trees are a type of deciduous tree, which means they lose their leaves every year. Buckeye trees are an excellent choice for backyards because they are simple to grow and maintain. There are four main varieties of buckeye trees. Also, trunk has some bark with separation. Here are the search results of the thread Do buckeye trees lose their leaves early? Note that you can change list parameters using the tools on the right side of the page. Its leaves also smell bad when crushed. The lucky buckeye should stay in your pocket where you can rub it between your finger to ensure good luck or for an auspicious outcome. Its branches need to be pruned if clearance is desired. This year, we got Buckeye Trees - Safe time to trim? The pinnate compound leaves are made up of five long, lanceolate leaves. here: Late leafing and early leaf-drop of Ohio buckeye tree | NPIN, If That Tree Looks Dead, It May Be a Buckeye By RON , California Buckeye: A Tree for All Seasons Pacific Horticulture, 7 Things to Know About Growing an Ohio Buckeye Tree. Like most Aesculus species, the leaflets have toothed margins. From early September to late October the husks drop to the ground and split open, revealing their hidden treasures. The best way to provide the tree with sunlight is to place it near a south-facing window. Why is my buckeye tree leaves turning yellow? The round seeds are about 1.2 (3 cm) in diameter and look like chestnuts. How do you eat buckeye nuts? Deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall while coniferous trees keep their needles year-round, except for tamarack which drops its needles in the fall. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The baby trees will be eaten by the deer. To care for an Ohio buckeye or other buckeye variety, water mature trees only enough to keep the ground moist. Buckeye nuts are actually mildly toxic in their uncooked state, but you can eat them after removing them from their shells and roasting them. fungi. It can grow to a height of less than 4,000 feet in California and Southern Oregon. The trees do not handle drought well. Buckeyes are not nuts because they are seeds. Flower: Showy, loose to dense, semi-pyramidal branching clusters 4 to 6 inches long at branch tips. This article is a guide to identifying the most common types of buckeyes. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In the fall buckeye trees are one of the first to turn color - If you are looking for buckeyes you often go in the early fall when the buckeyes are falling. It was suggested that this was a more successful option than root cuttings. The leaves are also toxic. Red horse-chestnut, a cross between horse-chestnut and red buckeye, is an excellent shade tree for large areas. Red buckeye is a fast-growing, large shrub or small tree that reaches from 15 to 20 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide. Drought, heavy rains, temperatures can all be contributing factors. Georgia buckeye is a rounded shrub or small tree with yellow to reddish-brown flowers that grow up to 25 . When you first put one in your pocket, in the fall, right after the nut-like seed has ripened, the buckeye is smooth and round. Symptoms that can occur when someone has ingested a buckeye byproduct include: Stomachache Muscle weakness Paralysis Dilated pupils Diarrhea Vomiting. Do you have any idea why this happens or what I can do to get round ones to grow? Soil moisture is critical. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. WOOSTER, Ohio Springs a great time for Buckeye nuts to plant their own source of buckeye nuts. It is not as massive or showy as some of the aforementioned trees, nor do you find many parks devoted specifically to its splendor, yet it is much loved. The trees can be grown very successfully from seed and should bloom within three years. Georgia buckeyes grow between 6 and 15 feet (1.8 4.5 m) tall with a similar-sized spread. Here are some articles that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/raised-beds-for-urban-settings-no-digging-required.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/making-unframed-raised-beds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/cinder-block-garden-beds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm. Navigate to the location you want to be. Seeds, which are collected in the fall, have a very limited viability and must not be allowed to dry out. Ohio buckeyes are found all the way from New York to Kentucky and down to Texas. It is critical to take good care of your buckeye. This herb is also thought to relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism. Examine the leaves of the buckeye trees. The five lanceolate leaflets grow between 3 and 6 (7.5 15 cm) and have finely serrated edges. Not just the nuts but all parts of the Ohio buckeye tree, including its leaves and bark, are highly toxic when taken internally, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture fact sheet. Otherwise, consider dividing a plant so each division can fit into a small hole. It can, however, tolerate occasional drought as well as occasional flooding. How far apart should buckeye trees be planted? Buckeyes are also a name for candy that looks like the buckeye trees seed. Buckeye trees drop their green leaves early in the fall, for a convenient cleanup. Buckeyes and chestnuts are not the same, though they do look alike. Buckeyes are deciduous ornamental trees that are popular in parks and open spaces. Ohio buckeyes grow best as attractive landscape trees in large lawns or as shade trees in parks. Print fact sheet. This will help to soften the shell and make it easier for the tree to sprout. Dwarf Red Buckeye leaves are one of the first to emerge in spring, one month earlier than oak and maple leaves. The individual elliptical leaves have finely toothed margins. Here in Western North Carolina there are two native species: painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), a shrub that occasionally becomes a small tree, is rarely encountered; and yellow buckeye (A . Seeds dropped to the ground germinate readily, if they remain moist. The outstanding feature of red buckeyes is their red flowers. Every Ohio State fan should have an Ohio buckeye tree if they have room., Kathy Smith After the Ohio buckeye finishes flowering in late spring, prickly round capsules grow on the tree. Agricultural Administration Building View our Privacy Policy here. Leaf blotch doesnt kill the tree, but starting in late summer, the leaves take on an almost scorched appearance, and the tree usually ends up completely defoliated, Smith said. Unlike most nuts, buckeyes are actually poisonous, and squirrels are known as the only animal to consume them. Buckeye seeds are extremely poisonous if swallowed, but many naturalists believe they are good luck. It is important not to damage tree roots anymore than necessary. Because the fruit is smooth, pear-shaped, leathery, and has a hard, shiny seed coating, each of the capsules is worth a few dollars. Buckeye nuts, despite being toxic to humans, can be safely consumed if properly prepared, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, and death. Buckeye nuts are small and brown with white tops. Red buckeye can be grown with multiple trunks or pruned to have a single trunk. Ohio state folklore says that carrying a buckeye seed in your pocket will result in good fortune. Everyone agrees that the tree nut was given the name "buckeye" because it . If you have inadvertently ingested parts of the buckeye tree, you may have a few telltale signs. They do support a healthy population of squirrels, however. It needs deep, well-drained, moist but not wet soil. With a little care and patience, you can grow your own buckeye tree from a nut. How many leaves does a buckeye tree have? The bottlebrush buckeye is the only true buckeye shrub. Mexican Buckeye Mexican buckeyes, also known by their scientific nameUngnadia speciosausually grow to be 8 to 12 feet tall. Buckeye trees do not transplant well because of their large tap root. Can You Plant Vegetables Near A Buckeye Tree Or Does The Tree Change The Ph In The Soil? It is 64 feet tall with a diameter of 2 feet, 5 inches. Thats right. A bottlebrush buckeye can be grown from seed by planting it right away if it is ripe. Most Ohio buckeyes have five leaflets with pointed tips, and the yellow buckeye often has seven ovate-shaped leaflets. The other, less-colorful, explanation is that the name refers to the large number of buckeye trees native to Ohio. . - Tried to plant peppers not too far from a buckeye tree and got no peppers. But you can't eat them with shells or raw. The buckeye's scientific name is Aesculus glabra. Buckeye tree leaves will also be one of the first ones to change colors . The outstanding feature of California buckeyes is their spectacular floral display. It has been used for artificial limbs because it does not split easily. (seed, cuttings, grafting etc).. Why might one serve better Buckeye Tree Didnt Produce Nuts - Our Buckeye tree is about 30 years old and has always produced an abundance of Buckeyes. Mulch around the trunk and root base to lock in moisture. Do buckeye trees lose their leaves early? It is one of the first trees that blooms and grows leaves in the spring and the first to shed its leaves in the fall. Buckeye tree leaves will also be one of the first ones to change colors so keep an eye out for a tree with a lot of changing colors in late August and early September. It is most often used, once the poisonous toxins have been removed, to treat the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism as part of a natural medicine regimen. The buckeye leaves turn bright orange in the fall. The perfect time to collect seeds is during September and October when they begin dropping from mature trees. When grown in partial shade, the lovely leaf color may last longer. Right now, the branches of most Buckeye trees are laden with seeds or nuts encased inside a greenish-gold, leathery husk. The Yellow Buckeye has a yellow-green to its leaves and tends to grow much larger than the Ohio Buckeye. In order to grow a buckeye tree indoors, you will need to start with a young tree that is about two to three feet tall. Buckeye seeds are roughly the size of prunes and resemble chestnut-shaped fruits with a light circle in the center. This allows the trees to conserve energy and resources during the colder months. Yellowing leaves in summer can be caused by biotic or abiotic factors. The buckeye seeds are dark brown, and there are usually one to three in each leathery round capsule. The Ohio buckeye is a neatly rounded tree with low, sweeping branches and dense foliage that provides deep shade. Fruit from buckeye is a rounded, oval, shiny brown nut-like seed with a cream-colored round circle. Ohio buckeye is native and is well-adapted to our soils and climate, Snyder said. Buckeyes are one of the first trees to leaf out in the spring. Ohio buckeye is a nice addition to the arboretum and has grown well here over the years, he said. Types of Helicopter Seeds (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Small or Dwarf Weeping Trees for Landscaping (With Pictures), Cold Hardy Palm Trees (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Types of Cypress Trees: Bald Cypress, Lemon Cypress, and More (Pictures). They look somewhat like large hazelnuts and are sometimes known as "horse chestnuts." While on the tree, the nuts are encased in a hard, spiky shell which is a light green color. It sounds as if, Its dying! is a native of North America that produces nuts. The fall is the time of year when deciduous trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/combo.php?fromsearch=true&distribution=&habit=habit_herb&duration=&light_shade=1. We have a buckeye tree we want to landscape around, Here are tips for planting under a tree: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/planting-garden-beneath-trees.htm You may freely link Ohio buckeye bark is gray with a rough texture that becomes scaly as the tree ages. If you live in a temperate climate, youll be able to grow a buckeye in the fall or in the spring. They have a dense crown, mostly oval or round, and are famous for their beautiful blossoms in the spring. As a professional writer she has researched, interviewed sources and written about home improvement, interior design and related business trends. The term was once an insult. Root cuttings, done in late fall, are another option. The Dwarf Buckeye is a beautiful plant in spring, when its orange leaves begin to open. If your climate is cooler, stratify the seeds and plant them in the fall, approximately one month before the ground frost. Horse chestnut leaves come in a variety of colors and are sold in green conical husks with four to five nuts inside each one. Growing from seed may be easier as the developing plant can wind its way around tree roots. The erect creamy-white flowers growing on the rounded canopy make the buckeye look like a vast, spreading candelabra. A plant that is under stress will stop producing fruit. Don't confuse buckeyes with chestnuts. Yellow Buckeye. There are still some nice buckeyes in the older part of the arboretum as well as near the bottom of the slide in the childrens area. The red buckeye should be watered regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil. Does Amazon Deliver To The Caribbean? Just remember to leave 3 or 4 (7.5 10 cm) free from the trunk to prevent root rot. Ohio buckeye develops leaf scorch and drops its leaves prematurely in hot, droughty . To do so, simply bury the seeds in a large seed starting container. The tree tends to fall when it reaches maturity, unexpectedly blocking paths, crashing through roofs or causing other issues when it breaks free from its mooring in the earth. The tree can cause stupor, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, or even death. Prune thin buckeye branches in spring to shape the tree. Buckeyes from Mexico typically have multi-stemmed stems that form a cluster of skinny trunks. The inside of the nut is white and contains a single seed. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Buckeyes and American chestnuts are native to the United States, but other chestnuts, including the horse chestnut, are imported. When growing buckeye trees from nuts, it is important to plant the nuts in the fall. Leaves are opposite, palm-shaped compound with 5 leaflets; leaflets 3-6 inches long, lance-shaped or inverted egg-shaped, coarsely toothed; upper surface shiny, dark green, smooth with a few hairs on the veins; lower surface paler, ranging from smooth to having matted hairs. . While not a big football fan, I do enjoy hunting for and collecting the actual buckeye nut from the buckeye trees. The shells remain tightly closed until the nuts fall from the tree. However, its vital to ensure that you pick the right buckeye variety as they can grow into large shade trees.