California Buckeye Characteristics

Aesculus californica Appearance: Green palmate shaped leaflets;

cylindrical bundles of white flowers; buckeyes (seeds)
are spherical and a deep brown color when ripe
The buckeye is endemic to California Size: Up to 30’ tall; leaflets approximately 5" long;
and has adapted to the hot dry summers flowers 4-8"; buckeyes 2-3" in diameter
and cold wet winters of California. Location: Found near the CFTA, next to the bridge
Whereas most trees grow new leaves in over the creek
spring and will hold their leaves until fall Season: Leaves in February; fruits in spring; falls
and then bear fruit, the buckeye will leaf dormant in late summer to early winter
when the most water is available, then Hazards: The buckeye fruits are toxic to humans
lose those leaves in early-mid summer and should not be eaten
o Endemic
because of the extreme heat and lack of
water, and finally bear fruit in late summer/early fall. In the presence of more water, the leaves may
remain on the tree until autumn. The tree can grow at a rate of 10' a year when there is ample
water. Poison oak is commonly found growing up the twisting branches of the tree and should be
looked out for. The buckeyes are toxic, especially to honeybees, but ground squirrels can eat
them.

Fun Facts Sources

Native Americans would treat the buckeyes and Pacific Horticulture Site
leech the toxin out so as to incorporate the fruits UC Master Gardener, Sonoma
into their diets. Pictures: Molly O’Brien ’18, Marcus
Santo Domingo ’18, Megan Leich