This large shrub to small tree has a single or multiple short trunks with silvery grey bark and spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has dark green divided leaves and the funnel-shape white flowers appear in cylindrical clusters in late spring.

Hardiness zones 7 to 9

Aesculus californicais naturally found inNorth America growing in California in a wide range of habitats that include semi-shaded canyons, slopes and hills on the coast and in the lower mountains from sea level to an altitude of 1700 m (5,577 ft).
It is found growing in pure stands or is accompanied with Oregon or Valley Oaks from the Sierra Nevada foothills to north-western and western California and commonly associated with creeks or courses.

It prefers an open sunny position and grows on dry well-drained moderately fertile soils including clay and serpentine tolerating seasonal inundation with a pH 4-8 and is drought and light frost tolerant.

The Californian Buckeye is grown for its fragrant flowers and spreading crown. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders as a specimen or may be used in courtyards. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 3-4 years and is long-lived.This Californian native tree is also used in arid gardens with poor soils but responds well to fertile moist soils. ID 3632

Aesculus (es`kű-lus) californica(KAH-lee-FOR-nee-kah)

Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Litchi, Maple, Horse Chestnut and Hop Bush Family