Plant Highlights

Blushing Dawn California Buckeye is selection that is smaller than the species and with a pink blush to the flowers. This small summer deciduous tree will reach about 15' (about half the size of the species) with an equal spread. The showy fragrant, pink flower spikes 6-8" long appear in spring (May- July). This tree responds to summer heat or drought stress by going deciduous, exposing its handsome silhouette and silvery smooth bark. After dormancy (August - January) this tree will be one of the first to leaf out, with bright green, fan-shaped leaves on a lush, densely leafy crown.
Plant in partial shade to full sun, as a single specimen or plant several to form an informal hedge. .

Many plants such as Baccharis pilularis, Erigonon glauca, Fragaria chiloensis, Iris douglasiana, Galvezia speciosa, grow well beneath California Buckeye.

This selection was brought to our attention by James Lockman.


The pollen and nectar are poisonous to European honey bees but not to native bees. Buckeye is an important food source both for native butterflies, and larvae. Fruits are toxic to humans and animals.