California Buckeye
Aesculus californica
Last reviewed: June 2026
California Buckeye is a drought-tolerant native tree found throughout California that produces fragrant white flower clusters in late spring and early summer. This deciduous species attracts bees, butterflies, and moths while requiring minimal water once established.
California Buckeye is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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.
California Buckeye is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
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.
Growing California Buckeye
Grow California Buckeye in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does California Buckeye bloom?
- California Buckeye typically blooms from May through June, producing dense clusters of fragrant white to pale pink flowers.
- What pollinators visit California Buckeye?
- California Buckeye attracts various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and moths that are drawn to its fragrant flower clusters.
- How much water does California Buckeye need?
- California Buckeye is drought-tolerant and requires low to moderate water once established, making it well-suited to Mediterranean climates.
- Is California Buckeye toxic to dogs?
- Yes. California Buckeye is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is California Buckeye toxic to cats?
- Yes. California Buckeye is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is California Buckeye toxic to livestock?
- California Buckeye is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is California Buckeye HOA-friendly?
- California Buckeye is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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.
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