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Description
Aesculus Californica, commonly known as the California Buckeye, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Coast Ranges. This tree can grow up to 10-25 feet tall and has a spread of 15-30 feet. The tree’s bark is gray and smooth when young, but as it ages, it becomes rough and deeply furrowed. The California Buckeye blooms in late spring and early summer, producing showy white to pinkish flowers that are densely packed on 4-10 inch long panicles. The flowers are followed by a fruit that is a smooth, round, leathery capsule containing one to three large seeds. The seeds are toxic when eaten raw, but can be roasted and eaten in small quantities.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Aesculus |
Appearance
The California Buckeye has a unique appearance with its large, palmately compound leaves that are 6-12 inches long and wide. The leaves are dark green and have five to seven leaflets that are 2-6 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and drop off the tree. The tree’s flowers are a highlight of its appearance, with their showy white to pinkish color that is sure to attract attention. The flowers are followed by a fruit that is a smooth, round, leathery capsule containing one to three large seeds. The tree’s bark is also a distinguishing feature, with its gray, smooth bark when young that becomes rough and deeply furrowed as it ages.
Care Guide
Water: The California Buckeye needs moderate watering during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as the tree is susceptible to root rot. Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Soil: The California Buckeye prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Hardiness Zones: The California Buckeye is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Buckeye is susceptible to a few pests and diseases such as aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew. Additionally, the tree is prone to leaf scorch in hot weather.
Habitat
The California Buckeye is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Coast Ranges. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, canyons, and hillsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the seeds of the California Buckeye poisonous?
A: Yes, the seeds are toxic when eaten raw, but can be roasted and eaten in small quantities. Q: How tall can the California Buckeye grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 10-25 feet tall. Q: What is the blooming season of the California Buckeye?
A: The tree blooms in late spring and early summer. Q: Can the California Buckeye grow in shade?
A: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Related Plants
– Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut)- Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush buckeye)- Aesculus pavia (Red buckeye)- Aesculus glabra (Ohio buckeye)
References
– “Aesculus Californica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b227.- “California Buckeye.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, ucanr.edu/sites/ucmgnevada/files/211404.pdf.- “Aesculus Californica.” Calflora, www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Aesculus+californica.
