aesculus_californica's Identifications

Notes:

Ecosystem: Coastal Forests

Twig: Appear very fuzzy when young, becoming more smooth and greyish brown in color once mature.

Bud: Occur in clusters and are reddish brown in color.

Flowers: Flowers are monoecious, with female and male flowers occurring on the same plant. Female flowers are barely noticeable except for their reddish green hue and spike appearance. Male flowers occur in catkin inflorescences approximately 2 to 4 inches long and are yellow, cream, or green in coloration.

Fruit: Fruits are dry nuts; acorns approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inch long and each contain 1 seed. Acorns are brown, egg shaped, slender, and have a pointy tip. Additionally, acorns have a greyish-brown cap that is covered in thin scales.