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California Buckeye

Aesculus Californica

Design with this plant

Overview

The California Buckeye, or Aesculus californica, is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing 13-39 feet tall. Ideal for USDA zones 7-8, it boasts lush, palmate leaves and erect panicles of fragrant, white flowers in spring. This drought-tolerant native flourishes in full sun to partial shade on well-drained soils. Its distinctive, large seed pods add autumn interest. Caution: seeds and foliage are toxic if ingested.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, Very LowZones 8–10Type Shrub, TreeClimate Mediterranean, Temperate
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — but this characteristic is a natural response to its environment and not a sign of ill health; this, image 75
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — the plant becomes a focal point with its impressive 6 to 12-inch-long panicles of white to pale pink flowersCalifornia Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Each leaflet, with 5 to 7 lobes, unfurls to an noteworthy sizeCalifornia Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — The California Buckeye can drop its leaves in late summer to conserve water; typically growing 13-39, image 74California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Gardeners should be aware that all parts of this plant; is a versatile deciduous shrub or small treeCalifornia Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — This deciduous shrub or small tree is native to the California foothills and coastal regions; caution: seeds andCalifornia Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — palmate leaves and erect panicles of fragrant+109

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Very Low
USDA zones
8–10

Shape & size

Mature height
15–40 Ft.
Mature width
15–40 Ft.

Classification

Type
Shrub, Tree
Family
Sapindaceae
Climate
Mediterranean, Temperate

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Photos (116)

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — but this characteristic is a natural response to its environment and not a sign of ill health; this, image 75
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — the plant becomes a focal point with its impressive 6 to 12-inch-long panicles of white to pale pink flowers
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Each leaflet, with 5 to 7 lobes, unfurls to an noteworthy size
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — The California Buckeye can drop its leaves in late summer to conserve water; typically growing 13-39, image 74
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Gardeners should be aware that all parts of this plant; is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — This deciduous shrub or small tree is native to the California foothills and coastal regions; caution: seeds and
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — palmate leaves and erect panicles of fragrant
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — scientifically named Aesculus californica; in optimal conditions, it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — This deciduous shrub or small tree is native to the California foothills and coastal regions
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens; glossy seeds resembling the eyes of a deer, image 72
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — In optimal conditions, it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade; when, image 73
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — glossy seeds resembling the eyes of a deer
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — pink and white flowers in the garden; sculptural form with multiple branches forming from its base
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — the plant becomes a focal point with its impressive 6 to 12-inch-long panicles of white to pale pink, image 40
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — rich with a sweet fragrance that attracts a bevy of pollinators.<br><br>Following the bloom, image 41
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — In optimal conditions, it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade; when incorporating
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — sculptural form with multiple branches forming from its base; the plant becomes a focal point with its, image 64
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — comprising palmately compound leaves that can measure up to 10 inches across; the California Buckeye, image 92
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens; glossy seeds resembling the eyes of a deer
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — The California Buckeye can drop its leaves in late summer to conserve water
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — as it provides both shade and sculptural interest throughout the year; palmate leaves and erect, image 78
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — the plant becomes a focal point with its impressive 6 to 12-inch-long panicles of white to pale pink, image 67
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — typically growing 13-39 feet tall
Photographs by 8 contributors

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