The buckeye is is bloom in Three Rivers. The name 'buckeye' was derived from the Native Americans who noticed that the glossy, chestnut-brown seeds with lighter circular "eye" looked very similar to the eye of a buck (male) deer.
The leaf formation of the buckeye has been described as "praying hands" by poet Albrecht Duerer. The seed and bark are slightly poisonous and bitter tasting. The properties can be eliminated by heating and leaching.
The Native Americans roasted, peeled and mashed the buckeye nut, which they called "Hetuck", into a nutritional meal. The early settlers found the buckeye wood to be lightweight and to be easily carved or whittled. Due to these qualities, the buckeye wood was used by settlers to make utensils. Thin strips of wood were woven into a variety of hats and baskets.
Come see what else is in bloom in Three Rivers! Call Team Diana for a tour!
