California Buckeye
Aesculus californica
Last reviewed: June 2026
California Buckeye is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
180"–360" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A dramatic deciduous tree with attractive white flower spikes in spring and distinctive round fruits in summer. It goes dormant and drops leaves in late summer as a drought adaptation, revealing its architectural branching structure through winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Buckeye is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Summer dormancy leaves tree leafless when other plants are green
- Dropping fruits can create maintenance issues on hardscapes
- Large mature size requires adequate spacing
Wildlife value
Host plant for Western Tiger Swallowtail.
The showy flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and moths. However, the nectar can be toxic to honey bees in some circumstances.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like California Buckeye and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.