California buckeye

plant

Also known as: Aesculus californica

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

The California buckeye (Aesculus californica) is a shrub or small tree native to California and southwestern Oregon. It is part of the Aesculus genus, which includes other buckeye species and horse chestnuts.123

Key characteristics:
* Leaves: Palmately compound, meaning leaflets radiate from a single point.2
* Flowers: Sweetly scented, white to pink, often in showy clusters.12
* Seeds: Resemble a deer's eye, are inedible, and poisonous.2

Buckeyes are valued as ornamental trees for their attractive flower clusters. Both young foliage and seeds of buckeye species are poisonous.2

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buckeye
Species
The California buckeye (A. californica) is endemic to California and southwestern Oregon and features sweetly scented white-to-pink flowers. At least two other possible buckeye species are known, though their taxonomy is contentious.
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The California buckeye (A. californica) is endemic to California and southwestern Oregon and features sweetly scented white-to-pink flowers. At least two other possible buckeye species are known, though their taxonomy is contentious.
Read More