=Remarks.=--In our area the buckeye is the very first tree to put out
its leaves. On this account in early Spring it can be easily
distinguished in the forest. This character together with its large
clusters of flowers which appear early are features which recommend it
for shade tree and ornamental planting. The tree has now become so rare
in Indiana as to have no economic importance.
=2. Æsculus octándra= Marshall. Buckeye. Sweet Buckeye. Plate 117.
Medium to large sized trees with smooth bark which on old trees becomes
more or less scaly. This tree closely resembles the preceding from which
it can be easily distinguished by the following characters. Its smoother
and lighter colored bark; by the entire under surface of the leaves
remaining permanently pubescent; the hairs more or less fulvous; by the
included anthers; and by its smooth capsule.
=Distribution.=--Western Pennsylvania, westward along the Ohio to Iowa,
south to Georgia and west to Louisiana and Texas. In Indiana it is
confined to a few counties along the Ohio River. The records of McCaslin
for Jay and Phinney for Delaware counties are doubtless errors in
determination. The writer has diligently tried to extend the range of
this species in Indiana and has found it only in Dearborn, Jefferson,
Clark and Crawford Counties, and in no place more than a mile from the
Ohio River. No doubt under favorable situations it found its way to a
greater distance from the River. On account of the poisonous character
of its fruit, it has been almost exterminated, and only along the
precipitous bluffs of the Ohio River are trees yet to be found.
Doubtless its exact range in our area can never be determined. Dr.
Drake[63] minutely described this species and remarks: "This species
delights in rich hills, and is seldom seen far from the Ohio River. It
frequently arrives at the height of 100 feet and the diameter of four
feet."
=Remarks.=--The wood is soft, white and resembles the sap wood of the
tulip tree for which wood it is commonly sold. Too rare in Indiana to be
of economic importance. Young[64] reported a purple flowered form of
buckeye from Jefferson County, but since no specimen was preserved and
the size of the plant is not given, it will not be considered here. The
form was reported as rare under the name of =Æsculus flava= var.
=purpurascens=.
[Illustration: Plate 117.