Ohio Buckeye — (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
Photo by (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas GoldmaniNaturalistCC BY-SA
Pet safety reference

Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra

The Horse Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its distinctive palmately compound leaves and spiky seed pods. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and leaves, contain saponins and glycosides that are harmful if ingested.

Aesculus glabraFetid BuckeyeOhio Buckeye
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Deciduous tree
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, tremors or incoordination.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle weakness, and potential neurological signs like tremors or ataxia.

Escalation note

The seeds are particularly dangerous to dogs. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is observed or suspected.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Horse chestnut contains aesculin, which is toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Aesculus glabra is a native tree that is considered toxic to animals if ingested.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Ohio Buckeyedogs safety pageMy dog ate Ohio Buckeye

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