treeN. America Native

Early Glow Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra 'Early Glow'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

330 inches

Width

270 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

60-80 years

Native To

Central and Eastern U.S.

Toxicity

All parts, especially the nuts, are highly toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Aesculus glabra, the Ohio Buckeye, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the central and eastern United States. It is known for its palmate leaves, showy spring flower panicles, and spiny, nut-like fruits (buckeyes). 'Early Glow' is a cultivar selected for its superior ornamental qualities, including a uniform, rounded crown, glossy dark green foliage, and brilliant, early-developing orange-red fall color. It also shows good resistance to leaf scorch and blotch.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A highly ornamental native tree, 'Early Glow' offers a dense, rounded canopy of attractive palmate leaves. It puts on a show in spring with upright panicles of creamy yellow flowers and concludes the season with a spectacular display of brilliant orange-red fall foliage.

It serves as an excellent medium-sized shade tree for residential lawns, parks, and other large spaces. Its tolerance of clay soil makes it a useful choice for many Midwestern landscapes.

The early spring flowers are a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and bees. While the nuts are toxic to most mammals, squirrels will sometimes eat them. The tree is a host plant for some moth species.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or part shade with deep, moist, fertile soil.
Dig a planting hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so that the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly, especially during the first few growing seasons.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Provide ample moisture during dry periods to maintain the glossy foliage, as the species is prone to leaf scorch in hot, dry conditions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture.
Allow plenty of room for its mature size.
Clean up fallen nuts to prevent unwanted seedlings and for safety.
Enjoy the early leaf-out in spring and brilliant fall color.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, compacted, or poor soils.
Avoid planting where the toxic nuts could be ingested by children or livestock.
Don't allow the root zone to dry out, which causes leaf scorch.
Avoid excessive pruning on mature trees.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Handsome medium-sized shade treeSpecimen tree with striking fall colorNative planting for parks and large yards

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Cornus florida Asimina triloba Lindera benzoin Tilia americana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Early Glow Ohio Buckeye questions

What zones can Early Glow Ohio Buckeye grow in?

Early Glow Ohio Buckeye is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Early Glow Ohio Buckeye deer resistant?

Yes — Early Glow Ohio Buckeye is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Early Glow Ohio Buckeye bloom?

Early Glow Ohio Buckeye typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Early Glow Ohio Buckeye need full sun?

Early Glow Ohio Buckeye does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.