The Herbarium at the University of Georgia Poisonous Plants of Georgia
The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Horse Chestnut, Buckeye Aesculus spp. L
Family:
 Hippocastanaceae
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This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
Description:
 Buckeyes may be shrubs to large trees. The leaves are opposite and palmately compound on smooth twigs. The leaflets that form the compound leaf spread from the leaf's stalk like fingers on a hand. The flowers form upright branching clusters. The fruits are rounded and when mature the leathery covering splits into three sections each containing 1-3 smooth shiny seeds. The seeds resemble chestnuts except that chestnuts have a pointed tip whereas buckeyes are rounded. The common name, buckeye, refers to the fruit's seed scar which resembles a deer's half open eye.
Toxic Part: The fruits and twigs are toxic.
Toxin: The toxins include a mixture of saponins (known as aescin), alkaloids (dicaffeoylspermidine and di-4-coumaroylspermidine), sterols (sitosterol and stigmasterol), and triterpenoid alcohols (taraxerol).
Symptoms: When a plant part is ingested the saponins are poorly absorbed and symptoms are usually limited to severe gastroenteritis and leads to weakness and dehydration. If the saponins are administered via injection they may act as neurotoxins in low dosages and cause hemolysis in high dosages.
Treatment: Fluids and electroytes should be replaced and treat patients for gastroenteritis- related symptoms.
References: 24, 105, 143, 167, 197
This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.