Alphabetical Plant Listing

Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)

Common Horse Chestnut, Horse Chestnut


Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) is a large deciduous tree with an upright-oval to rounded canopy of large, dark green leaves, 4-10 in. long (10-25 cm), adorned with 5-7 leaflets. In late spring, showy creamy-white flowers with red or yellow markings are borne in 5-12 in. erect panicles (12-30 cm). The flowers give way to large, spiny, dehiscent capsules that contain 1-2 horse chestnut(s) encased by a leathery light brown husk. The foliage turns reddish brown in the fall. A stately landscape tree for parks and large lawns that is handsome in form and foliage, and very beautiful when in bloom. It may be planted as a shade tree.

  • Grows up to 50-70 ft. tall (15-21 m) and 40-60 ft. wide (12-18 m).
  • Thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils.
  • Keep an eye out for canker, coral spot, leaf spot and horse chestnut scale.
  • Propagate by seed or grafting.
  • Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to the Balkans.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Aesculus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 50' – 70' (15m – 21m)
Spread 40' – 60' (12m – 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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Aniana, Photodigitaal.nl, Whiteaster, Mathom, Aykut Alakoc, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Aesculus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 50' – 70' (15m – 21m)
Spread 40' – 60' (12m – 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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