Tree Plaques In The Park
Key Identifying Characteristics
Tree is bare in the late summer, spring brings lush foliage, followed by distinctive candles of white blooms. Fig shaped fruit contains the round seed that gives the tree its name.
Height / Size
13-39 feet tall and 40 feet wide.
Leaves or Needles
5 part compound leaves in the shape of a hand. Leaf edges are finely-toothed and emerge in early February.
Bark / Trunk
Multi-trunked tree with pale gray bark.
Flower
Bloom period is May to July. Each aromatic flower stalk has multiple flowers with four pink or white petals and long stamens.
Fruit / Seed / Cone
Resembling a buck’s eye, the large brown seeds are enclosed in leathery husks that separate to expose a seed up to 2 inches long.
Habitat
California coastal range and valleys.
Location / Range
Visitor’s Center, and Hazelnut and Old Trout Farm trails.
Lifespan
Between 250-280 years with a maximum of 300 years.
Native / Non-native
Native to California.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Also known as the California Horse-Chestnut. The large seed contains gluoside aesculin that is a toxic compound.
Sources:
Calscape
PlantID.net for San Pedro Valley CP (NRDB.org)
Wikipedia
UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County
Trees and Shrubs of California by John D. Stuart and John O. Sawyer
Field Guide to North American Trees By Thomas S. Elias