Latin: Aesculus californica
Plant type: Deciduous tree or large shrub
Size: 10’-20’x15’-25’ or wider
Light: Sun or shade
Water: Drought tolerant
Zone: 6-10
The Buckeye is a very attractive, often multi-trunked, deciduous small tree or large shrub with a round habit that provides year-round interest. In spring bright green leaves emerge from smooth, bare branches, and mature into large, toothed leaflets that are deep green and palmately divided. In late spring, numerous spikes of, fragrant, cream-colored flower clusters make an impressive display, attracting hummingbirds and bees. The pollen and nectar, however, are poisonous to European honeybees. In the wild where Buckeyes receive no supplemental irrigation, the leaves turn rusty-brown in summer. The leaves then drop unless given moderate summer water, in which case the leaves will remain on the trees until the fall. Leathery, pear-shaped fruits develop during the summer, and dangle from bare branches in the fall. Each fruit contains one large brown seed that is poisonous. The sculptural silhouette of the Buckeye in the winter, silvery bark on thick branches that reach out sinuously, is one of its most striking characteristics. [18,25]
The Buckeye is drought tolerant once established. It performs well in sun or shade, adapts well to most types of soil, though prefers good drainage, requires little care, and is generally long-lived. Plant the Buckeye where its sculptural form can be admired, as a focal point in the garden or against a wall. Mix with other natives such as Ceanothus, Oaks, and Western Redbud to form a background planting or screen.
Go to Buckeye, California Main Page.