California Buckeye aka California Horse Chestnut
The nearby Tassajara Creek offers wonderful photo opportunities and while I was out trying some scenic outdoor pics I came across this bloom. It reminded me of the Horse Chestnuts I had seen in the UK only the flowers were packed much closer on the stalk. After some research I found out that it is Aesculus Californica, California Buckeye aka California Chestnut. The fruits are poisonous, and they were used as fish poison by the Pomo, Yana, Yokut and Luiseno peoples (Kroeber, 1925). Nifty fishing method…As I walked away from the tree, a Swallowtail Butterfly also made it’s appearance and I was fortunate enough to get a shot of it.
Photo 1: Buckeye in Bloom
Photo 2: California Horse Chestnut
Photo 3: British Horse Chestnut White
Photo 4: British Horse Chestnut Pink
Photo 5: Buckeye along the Creek
Photo 6: Butterfly on Buckeye
Photo 7: And another butterfly pic just for fun
