The Californian buckeye can be seen in full of flower at the western end of the Fairway.
As its common name and specific name suggests, this buckeye (or chestnut) originates from California, where it is an endemic species (existing naturally only in this area). It was first introduced to our gardens by the plant hunter William Lobb for the Veitch nursery in the 1850’s. Given its origin, it is regarded as relatively drought-tolerant, and thrives in local conditions here in the Garden. Aesculus californica can grow to 12m in height and is often as broad as it is wide, producing a rounded, dense habit. The leaves are glossy and consist usually of five narrow, pointed, and gently toothed leaflets. In late spring or early summer dense panicles of scented flowers, with protruding stamens, smother the tree.