ExplorePlants

California buckeye

Aesculus californica

The California buckeye is a beautiful tree with big, bright green leaves and lovely flowers. It grows in sunny places and can be very tall, making it a great home for birds and other animals.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The California buckeye is a deciduous tree with a striking dome-shaped crown and smooth, grey bark. Its large, palmate leaves, divided into 5-7 leaflets, turn golden in summer before dropping early. Showy clusters of white to pale pink, fragrant flowers bloom upright.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAesculus
California buckeye
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
California buckeye

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though its nectar is toxic to European honeybees, native bees and hummingbirds love it!

It's one of the first trees to drop its leaves in California, often by mid-summer!

Native Californians once leached toxins from the seeds to safely use them for food!

The 'buckeye' name comes from the seed's dark spot, looking just like a deer's eye!

Special abilities

Ability

Early Sleep Mode

California buckeye has a unique ability to drop its leaves in summer, entering early dormancy to survive long, dry California summers without water.

Ability

Potent Poison

California buckeye produces toxic compounds in its leaves and seeds, protecting itself from most herbivores who would otherwise eat its parts.

Ability

Seed Supercharge

California buckeye grows very large seeds that store ample energy, allowing new seedlings to establish quickly in challenging, dry conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
400-1500 cm
Spread
400-1000 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Late_spring_to_early_summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't eat the seeds of the buckeye; they can make you feel sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is California buckeye?

400-1500 cm

How wide does California buckeye spread?

400-1000 cm

How big are the flowers on California buckeye?

1-2 cm

When does California buckeye bloom?

Late_spring_to_early_summer

Is California buckeye edible?

No

Is California buckeye toxic?

High

What is California buckeye's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is California buckeye pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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