California Buckeye

Aesculus Californica

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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 8–10Climate Mediterranean, Temperate

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — typically growing 13-39 feet tall

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

Family: Sapindaceae
Climate: Mediterranean, Temperate

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Photos (96)

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — pink and white flowers in the garden; sculptural form with multiple branches forming from its base

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — shrub / tree with pink and white blooms; are toxic when consumed.<br><br>This species is drought tolerant once

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — shrub / tree for full or half; as it provides both shade and sculptural interest throughout the year

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree; this drought-tolerant native flourishes in full sun to, image 55

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — typically growing 13-39 feet tall; comprising palmately compound leaves that can measure up to 10, image 56

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — palmate leaves and erect panicles of fragrant; making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, image 57

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — This drought-tolerant native flourishes in full sun to partial shade on well-drained soils; pink and, image 58

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Its distinctive, large seed pods add autumn interest, image 59

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Caution: seeds and foliage are toxic if ingested; each leaflet, with 5 to 7 lobes, unfurls to an, image 60

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — scientifically named Aesculus californica; in optimal conditions, it prefers well-drained soils and can, image 61

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — presents as a captivating addition to any landscape; shrub / tree with pink and white blooms, image 62

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — This deciduous shrub or small tree is native to the California foothills and coastal regions; caution, image 63

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 65

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Each leaflet, with 5 to 7 lobes, unfurls to an noteworthy size; shrub / tree for full or half, image 66

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) — rich with a sweet fragrance that attracts a bevy of pollinators.<br><br>Following the bloom, image 68

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — glossy seeds resembling the eyes of a deer; but this characteristic is a natural response to its, image 69

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — Gardeners should be aware that all parts of this plant; is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree, image 70

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — are toxic when consumed.<br><br>This species is drought tolerant once established; presents as a, image 71

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) — The California Buckeye can drop its leaves in late summer to conserve water; typically growing 13-39, image 74

California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — but this characteristic is a natural response to its environment and not a sign of ill health; this, image 75

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