Ohio State Tree: Ohio Buckeye

Ohio's official state tree is the Ohio Buckeye, a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Midwest. It grows 30 to 50 feet tall and can reach 70 feet in ideal conditions. The trunk measures one to two feet in diameter. The tree typically lives 80 to 100 years.

Unlike many state trees, buckeye is not valued for timber. The wood is soft and weak, and the seeds are poisonous to humans and livestock. Despite this, the buckeye remains Ohio’s most beloved symbol. Its importance comes entirely from cultural identity.

Ohio buckeye grows throughout all 88 counties in moist forests, river valleys, and stream banks. Ohio lies at the center of the species’ natural range. The tree often grows in forest understory beneath taller hardwoods. This statewide presence makes it truly representative.

The official name is Ohio Buckeye, distinguishing it from other buckeye species. The name comes from the seed’s resemblance to a deer’s eye. The scientific name Aesculus glabra refers to the tree’s smooth seeds and leaf surfaces. Early Ohioans called it simply buckeye or fetid buckeye.

The genus Aesculus includes about 13 species worldwide. Ohio buckeye belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is closely related to horse chestnut, which is commonly planted in Ohio cities. The name “Buckeye” became so tied to Ohio that residents themselves are called Buckeyes.

Ohio adopted the Ohio Buckeye as its official state tree on October 3, 1953. The designation formalized a connection that had existed since pioneer days. By then, Ohio had been known as the “Buckeye State” for over a century. The law simply made official what Ohioans already believed.

The buckeye nickname emerged in the late 1700s and early 1800s as settlers noticed the distinctive trees. People began carrying buckeye seeds as good luck charms, a tradition that continues today. The nickname appeared in print by 1840. William Henry Harrison’s 1840 presidential campaign cemented the buckeye–Ohio link nationally.

The tree became woven into Ohio culture through schools, sports, and politics. Ohio State University adopted “Buckeyes” as its team name, and Brutus Buckeye became an iconic mascot. Politicians used buckeye imagery to appeal to voters. The 1953 designation recognized a symbol that already defined Ohio identity.

Ohio's state flower is the Scarlet Carnation, designated in 1904. The flower honors President William McKinley, an Ohioan who wore it in his lapel. The state adopted the flower nearly 50 years before choosing the buckeye. Together, these symbols reflect Ohio’s political history and pioneer heritage.

The leaf structure provides instant identification. Look for palmate compound leaves with five leaflets radiating from a central point. Each leaflet is three to six inches long with fine serrations. This hand-like shape is unique among Ohio trees.

The fruit is the most distinctive feature. Round spiny husks split open in fall to reveal shiny brown seeds with a large tan patch. This patch creates the classic “buck’s eye” appearance. Seeds carpet the ground in September and October.

The tree forms a rounded crown nearly as wide as it is tall. Bark is gray-brown and becomes scaly and lightly furrowed with age. Twigs are stout with large winter buds. Yellow-green flower clusters bloom in spring.

Ohio Buckeye represents state pride and identity. It symbolizes pioneer heritage, good luck traditions, and the nickname that defines Ohio. For many residents, carrying a buckeye means carrying a piece of home. The tree embodies how a simple species became a powerful cultural icon.