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Tree of the Week
California Buckeye
(Aesculus californica)
Facts about the California Buckeye:
- Native to the California foothills.
- A deciduous tree, grows rapidly to 15', then grows at a medium
rate.
- 15-40' eventual height, with a 30-40' spread.
- Very drought tolerant, but may lose leaves in August if
dry.
- Has shallow, spreading root system.
- Produces lots of litter.
- Flowers are in white spikes, in April and May.
- Produces seeds in capsules in fall.
- Seeds are poisonous.
- Seeds germinate easily, with no dormancy.
- Prefers clay, rocky, well-drained soils.
- Takes aridity, sun, wind, heat and dust.
- Relatively free of pests and diseases.
- Will retain its leaves through Sept. if watered once a
month.
The California buckeye is a good example of a palmate
compound leaf