Precocious Ohio Buckeye Nuts

This seed strain of the Ohio buckeye was selected due to precocity from seed to flowering and nut production. Unlike other Ohio buckeyes this selection produces nuts on small trees grown from seed that flower and fruit in 6 years or less. 'Precocious' trees tend to be slower growing than other Ohio buckeyes but grow straighter with an almost fastigiate or pyramid shape with uniform lateral branching. The nuts are produced in abundance on small trees some as short as 5 ft. tall but most average 8-10 ft. tall. I have other Ohio buckeyes at my farm and it took them a good 20 years to set fruit. I think that is more 'normal' with this species. 

I found this original selection near the post office in town on a piece of public land. The tree was decidedly more upright than any I had seed before with a spread of only 15 ft. and height to 50 ft. I collected a few of the nuts and grew roughly 300 trees. Over time, the planting area was converted to other trees but I kept a half dozen or so that showed very early flowering from seed or faster growth rate. That proved to be a good idea and now these few plants that fruit share the same characteristics  as the parent plus nuts at a younger age. 

I think of the uses of this tree in urban settings in particular as the trees retain their compact growth habit, lack of mega branching, as well as their smaller size. The deep roots, ease of transplanting and the ability to use it from seed is a distinct advantage. The clean foliage of this selection appears very good here with little or no leaf scorch. A few years ago, I met a student researcher who was working out the details of biofuels with buckeyes. This was one he was interested in as the turn over and selection possibilities could lead to a perennial tree crop for this purpose. That seemed like a good idea. I wonder whatever became of it. I know the nuts ferment easy if not stored properly.

This would also be a good mix tree to use in windbreaks due to its flowering, adaptability to wet and dry conditions and high resistance to leaf scorch and drought. Roots are very fibrous and dense forming creating a large mat like structure along with a tap root to boot. Quite an amazing tree. Other plants like plums and hazels could easily be grown with it as it causes very little shade as the trees are not that big. See also Aesuclus x mutabilis or x arnolidiana.  They too produce some very nice seedlings. I offer these as well in season. 

To germinate the seeds; Buckeyes rot easy and need to be planted right away. Refrigeration is ok for a while but essentially then need to be planted right away. The nuts are quite fragile if left out to dry. I store them with high moisture content but they need a home right away. Some will sprout right away and others take a cold dormancy first of 90 days. Few animals get into these but some squirrels will cart them off. But not as vigorous as acorns or chestnuts. Plant 1-2 inches deep or put in deep flats and protect against rodents during the winter.