Genus species: Aesculus californica Family: Sapindaceae

Common name: California Buckeye

Size: 15-25’ or more. Shape: Stout, symmetrical spreading tree, broad rounded crown, usually wider than tall. Often multi-trunked, which is a nice look.

Growth rate: Fast with water, slower in dry location Type: Deciduous

Foliage: Dark green leaves are palmately compound, with 5 leaflets, each leaflet is 2-7” long

Seasonal color: Not significant, maybe yellow.

Flowers: Sweet scented, up to 7” long clusters of white flowers, at the ends of branches, late May

Features: Smooth silver gray bark. The trunks and branches are striking, especially in winter. The flowering is dramatic, from a distance. The large seeds which hang and then drop out of their skin are beautiful

Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade. Likes drainage. Grows fast and large with water, size can be limited with controlled- less- water. Extreme drought resistance. Tolerates all soil types

Climate zone: 7-9

Uses and comments: Butterflies love the blossoms. The trees will go dormant late summer if it is very dry - they are not dying! With a good water supply this will get too large for a small garden.