California Buckeye
Aesculus californica

Family: Hippocastanaceae
Genus: Aesculus (ES-kew-lus)
Species: californica (kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh)

Category
Shrubs
Trees

Height
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)

Spacing
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Danger
Seed is poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Time
Mid Spring

Foliage
Deciduous

Other details
Flowers are fragrant

Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds