Description

Aesculus – Buckeye – Horse Chestnut

There’s about 20 species of deciduous shrubs and tall trees in this genus.  More then half are native to North America some found from Asia to southeast Europe.  General found in deep soil in a sheltered valleys, They have large compound leafs comprised of 5-11 leaflets that are mid green to dark green.  In spring or summer showy upright panicles of cream to reddish 4-5 petaled flowers ½-1 ¼” wide flowers bloom at branch tips in a conical shape.  Inedible fruits contained in big seed capsules that vary form smooth to spiny which the common name Horse Chestnut derives form.  All parts if indigested may upset stomach. Performs best in cool temperature climates, in deep fertile and moisture retentive soil, most are frost hardy.  Plant in full sun or partial shade.  Well suited for parks or open gardens. Prone to canker, coral spot, leaf blotch, Japanese beetles, scale insects, Anthracnose, rust, and powdery mildew. Aesculus californica – California Buckeye – Grows 25’ feet tall and 30’ feet wide but in cultivation may be smaller. Its commonly found in its native range of California on hillsides in sierra Nevadas and coastal regions.  It bears grayish-green, 4” long leaves, which are smaller, then, most Aesculus.  Cylindrical panicles 8” long of creamy white fragrant flowers sometimes tinged pink born in early summer followed rough skinned fig shape fruit up to 3” long.  Plant in full sun, it’s a better cultivars to withstand hot dry summer then most. Zones 7-10