Family: Hippocastanaceae

The California buckeye is a small flowering tree.

Native to California’s Mediterranean climate zones, California buckeye thrives in the dryer parts of Hawaii.  A deciduous tree, palmately compound leaves fall and regrow every year. Extremely fragrant flowers are born on a spike during Spring. Nuts are toxic to humans unless processed correctly. Native Americans used the nuts to stupefy fish to harvest their meat. Squirrels and chipmunks are the only animals that use this tree for food. The pollen and nectar are also toxic to bees, so don’t plant near apiaries. However, the wood is useful for making bow drills, a primitive fire starting tool.

Plant Uses:

• Fragrant
• Ornamental
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• Toxic to animals and humans