California Buckeye Tree | Native White Blooming Tree

California Buckeye Close-up of a white flower cluster with green leaves against a blue sky.

California Horse Chestnut

15 Gallon·Multi

$159.00

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California Horse Chestnut

Aesculus californica, Horse Chestnut

CA Native Drought Champion • Fragrant Spring “Candles” • Smooth Silver Bark

$159.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

California Horse Chestnut is a majestic and iconic native tree that embodies the natural beauty and seasonal rhythm of the California landscape. Thriving with absolute neglect in our summer-dry climate, it offers a spectacular display of fragrant spring flowers, unique smooth bark, and golden fall color, making it an essential, low-water choice for authentic native gardens and oak woodlands.

A California native superstar, perfectly adapted to summer drought; it naturally goes dormant in late summer, requiring no summer water once established, which prevents disease.
Produces stunning, upright panicles of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late spring that are a vital nectar source for native butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Features exceptionally handsome, smooth, light gray to white bark that gleams in the winter sun, providing outstanding structural interest year-round.
Displays attractive palm-shaped leaves that emerge bright green and turn a clear, golden yellow in early fall before dropping.
Typically grows as a large, multi-trunked shrub or small tree with a broad, rounded canopy, ideal for a naturalistic focal point.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Palmately compound leaves with 5-7 lance-shaped, bright green leaflets with irregular, serrated margins. Foliage turns a clear yellow in early fall before dropping.Flowers: Showy, upright, 4-12 inch long clusters of fragrant, creamy-white to pale pink flowers in early summer, highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.Fruit: Produces a distinctive, large, pear-shaped, leathery capsule that splits to reveal 1-2 large, shiny, dark brown seeds (buckeyes).Bark & Habit: A deciduous large shrub or small tree with a broad, spreading, often multi-trunked habit and a rounded crown. The bark is smooth and pale silver-gray to white, providing striking winter interest.
Mature Height: 15-30 ft.
Mature Width: 15-30 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Spectacular spring floral display that is a valuable nectar source.Attractive, smooth, light-colored bark for winter interest.Drought tolerant once established.Important native plant for wildlife and habitat gardens
Landscape Uses:Specimen tree in native and water-wise landscapes.Focal point for its form, flowers, and bark.Large-scale erosion control on slopes

Q: Is it true that all parts of the tree are poisonous?
A: Yes. The seeds, leaves, and young shoots contain a toxin harmful if ingested by humans or livestock. This is a key reason to plant it in native or naturalized areas rather than in gardens accessible to grazing pets. Its toxicity is part of its natural defense.

Q: Why does it lose its leaves so early (in summer)?
A: This is a brilliant native adaptation to drought. By going dormant in mid-to-late summer, it conserves water and survives our long dry season without irrigation. It is not a sign of poor health but of perfect adaptation.

Q: Can I water it in summer to keep it green?
A: It is strongly recommended NOT to water it in summer. Summer irrigation can lead to fatal fungal diseases (like Phytophthora) in our native, dry-adapted buckeyes. Embrace its natural cycle.