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Aesculus californica
Californian buckeye
Deciduous tree
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The Aesculus californica plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Californian buckeye. Some home gardeners know the variety as Pavia californica. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Aesculus californica
Common Name: Californian buckeye
Family: Hippocastanaceae
Author: (Spach.)Nutt.
Known Hazards: The seed is rich in saponins. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. The flowers of this plant are toxic to bees[94].
Mature Height: 12 Mature Width: 10
Habitat: Moist stream borders, scrub and the edges of oak and pine woods in canyons and dry slopes below 1200 metres[71, 184, 229].
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy[11]. Requires a position in full sun[200]. Prefers dry sunny locations[126].
Although fairly hardy throughout Britain, it grows best in areas where winter temperatures do not fall below -10°c[200].
A moderately fast-growing and long-lived tree in the wild[229], in Britain it grows best in eastern and southeastern England. Plants thrives at Kew[11].
Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11].
For further Aesculus californica gardening information
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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