Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Aesculus californica
California Buckeye
Sapindaceae
California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height10-20 feet (3-6 m)
Width15-30 feet (4.5-9 m)
Maturity10 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 10Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
Aesculus californica is a deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub reaching 10–20 feet (3–6 m) tall with a broad, rounded crown spreading 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) wide. Trunk bark is pale gray and smooth when young, developing shallow furrows with age. Palmate leaves have 5–7 leaflets, each 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long, dark green above and pale below, with finely toothed margins. Unlike most deciduous trees, this species drops its leaves in midsummer during the dry season and enters dormancy from July through October, leaving bare branches. New foliage re-emerges in late winter to early spring, ahead of most deciduous trees. Fragrant white to pale pink flower spikes 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long appear in May–June. Pear-shaped fruits 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long follow, containing one to two large, glossy brown seeds. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Native Range
Native to California, occurring in the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, and interior valleys below 4,000 feet (1,200 m) elevation. Found in dry canyons, chaparral margins, and oak woodland understory where summer drought is pronounced.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen tree in Mediterranean-climate gardens, native plant landscapes, and dry slopes. The summer dormancy period, when trees stand bare from July through October, suits siting where dormant structure is acceptable. Spread of 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) requires at least 15 feet (4.5 m) clearance from structures and paved surfaces. Not suited to lawns or sites with summer irrigation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Colors
Flower Colors
white
pink
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~5 weeksJ
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pinkFoliage Description
Dark green above, pale green below; absent July–October during summer dormancyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrocky
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
5-10 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Established trees in climates matching the native California foothill range require no supplemental irrigation; plants tolerate 4–5 months without rain once established. In Pacific Northwest or eastern U.S. plantings with summer rainfall, drainage must be excellent to prevent root crown rot. Spider mites and aphids may appear on stressed plants in hot, dry conditions. Leaf litter and bare branches during summer dormancy require consideration in siting decisions. New foliage emerging in late winter may sustain frost damage during late-season cold snaps in zones 6–7. Trees planted in lawns receiving summer irrigation decline over 3–5 years.Pruning
Pruning is performed in late fall after leaf drop or in early spring before new growth emerges. Remove crossing or structurally weak branches when young to establish a sound branch framework. No deadheading is required. Large branches pruned during the growing season bleed sap; dormant-season timing reduces this.Pruning Schedule
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winterearly spring