Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Thursday - September 25, 2008

From: Canton, IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Propagation of native Ohio buckeye from seed
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

My granddaughter has collected "buck eyes"; can we plant them to start our own tree? If so, how do we go about it!

ANSWER:

Our webpage on Aesculus glabra (Ohio buckeye) has these Propagation Instructions:

Description: Sow seeds in fall.
Seed Collection: Seeds dry and shrivel quickly.
Seed Treatment: Moist-stratify for 120 days at 41 degrees.

More complete information is in this previous answer to a similar question. And here is a page of pictures of the tree and various stages of the seeds. Be sure and note the warnings on our webpage about the toxicity of all parts of this plant:

"Warning: All parts of this tree are poisonous if taken internally. Keep away from livestock; seeds and fruits are attractive to children and are dangerous. May be Fatal if Eaten! Symptoms include muscle weakness and paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor. Toxic Principle: Glycoside aesculin, saponin aescin, possibly alkaloids."