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by M. Ritter, J. Yost, W. Mark, J. Reimer
GENERAL INFO
California Buckeye is a California native which can be quite useful in low water use settings. It can be used as an accent tree by virtue of its very attractive multi-trunk habit, showy fall flowering display, and wintertime silhouette of white trunks against an evergreen background. It grows best in cool, coastal and foothill areas. Its foliage dries to brown in midsummer and drops leaves without supplemental irrigation. It might look dead in a manicured setting, but this is a natural occurrence and the tree is perfectly healthy, conserving water in the summer heat. This can be an attractive winter silhouette. Sudden Oak Death manifested as leaf spot.
Native range: CaliforniaHorticultural use: ScreenSchoolyard Use: This tree features broad, palmately compound leaves that offer a great example for teaching leaf arrangement and structure. Its large, showy flowers bloom in clusters and can be used to discuss pollination and plant reproduction. The tree produces distinctive, spiky fruits that are interesting to observe and handle. Its deciduous nature makes it suitable for lessons on seasonal changes and plant life cycles. Additionally, the tree's adaptability to different environments can be used to explore topics in ecology and environmental science.
Native range: CaliforniaHorticultural use: ScreenSchoolyard Use: This tree features broad, palmately compound leaves that offer a great example for teaching leaf arrangement and structure. Its large, showy flowers bloom in clusters and can be used to discuss pollination and plant reproduction. The tree produces distinctive, spiky fruits that are interesting to observe and handle. Its deciduous nature makes it suitable for lessons on seasonal changes and plant life cycles. Additionally, the tree's adaptability to different environments can be used to explore topics in ecology and environmental science.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: DeciduousMaximum Tree Height: 25 feetCanopy Width: 20-30 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Opposite, Palmately CompoundLeaf Shape: Spear-shapedLeaf color: Bluish Green or Silver or Gray GreenFlowers: Showy, FragrantFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: SpringFruit: Large Brown CapsuleFruiting time: SummerBark Color: Light Gray, SmoothLitter Type: Dry Fruit, Leaves, Flowers
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 3 - 10, 14 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7, 8Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: Allergy, PoisonousWildlife interactions: Attracts squirrelsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Phytophthora ramorum Sudden Oak Death, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot and Invasive Shot Hole Borer, ThripUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Aesculus californica Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on May 10, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/132 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/132 >
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