Horse Chestnut

(Aesculus hippocastanum)

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Aesculus hippocastanum, commonly known as Horse Chestnut, is a deciduous tree native to the Balkan mixed forests of Southeast Europe. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands. This species typically reaches a height of 39 meters (128 ft) with a domed crown and stout branches, which can become pendulous with curled-up tips in older trees. The Horse Chestnut is renowned for its showy white flowers with a yellow to pink blotch at the base, blooming in spring on erect panicles. The flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees. Following flowering, spiky green capsules develop, each containing one to three large, glossy, nut-brown seeds known as conkers.

The Horse Chestnut is celebrated for its beautiful spring flowers and is widely planted in temperate regions around the world, including Ireland, Great Britain, and New Zealand. It is often found in urban settings such as parks and along streets due to its tolerance of pollution and its ability to provide dense shade. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions. However, it can be susceptible to leaf blotch, horse chestnut leaf miner, and bleeding canker, which may require management. Additionally, it is considered potentially invasive in some regions, such as parts of the United States, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-75 feet
  • Width: 40-65 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Balkan mixed forests, deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Horse-Chestnut , Common Horse Chestnut , Hestekastanie , Gewöhnliche Rosskastanie , Rosskastanie , Castaño De Indias , Balkaninhevoskastanja , Marronnier , Marronnier D’Inde , Marronnier Commun

Scientific Names: Aesculus hippocastanum , Aesculus hippocastanum f. memmingeri , Hippocastanum vulgare , Aesculus hippocastanum var. incisa , Hippocastanum aesculus , Aesculus hippocastanum f. beaumanii , Aesculus hippocastanum var. beaumanii , Aesculus asplenifolia , Aesculus castanea , Aesculus heterophylla

GBIF Accepted Name: Aesculus hippocastanum L.