Aesculus californica
California buckeye
A medium-sized deciduous shrubby tree with palmate leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Fragrant flowers are long, white (sometimes rose-pink), fluffy-looking and candle-shaped with yellow then pink throats. Conkers follow in autumn inside a smooth leathery case.
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Yellow | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Aesculus can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with showy flowers, palmately-lobed leaves and sometimes good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA (California, Oregon)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; only suitable for large gardens. For further information, see our advice on tree cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to horse chestnut scale and leaf-mining moth
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, canker, leaf spot and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.