A buckeye can refer to different things, depending on the context:
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Ohio Buckeye Tree: Aesculus glabra, commonly known as Ohio buckeye, is a species of tree in the soapberry family native to North America. Its natural range is primarily in the Midwestern and lower Great Plains regions of the United States, extending southeast into the geological Black Belt of Alabama and Mississippi. It is also found locally in the extreme southwest of Ontario, on Walpole Island in Lake St. Clair. The tree produces a fruit that contains a large nut.
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Buckeye Nut: A small, shiny, dark brown nut with a light tan patch that comes from the official state tree of Ohio, the buckeye tree. According to folklore, the Buckeye resembles the eye of a deer and carrying one brings good luck. “Buckeyes” has been the official Ohio State nickname since 1950, but it had been in common use for many years before. The first recorded use of the term Buckeye to refer to a resident of the area was in 1788, some 15 years before Ohio became a state. The settlers were called buckeyes because indigenous peoples noticed that European immigrants coming into Ohio had larger eyes, similar to those of the male (buck) deer.
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Buckeye Candy: Buckeyes are a confection made from a peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate to leave a circle of peanut butter visible. Buckeyes are similar to peanut butter balls (or peanut-butter-filled chocolate balls), which are completely covered in chocolate. Named for their resemblance to the poisonous nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, the state tree of Ohio, this candy is particularly popular in Ohio and neighboring states. It is common for Ohioans to make buckeyes at home, but they are also available in mail-order catalogs and candy shops).
In summary, a buckeye can refer to a tree, a nut, or a candy, depending on the context.
