Aesculus hippocastanum (Common Horsechestnut)


Michael's Opinion

A European native that at maturity becomes quite a regal specimen with its broadly pyramidal-rounded form and branches that ascend to the ground; it is spectacular in bloom. It does produce the typical chestnut fruit which can be a litter problem and suffers from extensive leaf anthracnose, other than being unsightly at this stage it does little to no damage the tree since it occurs late in the season. I grew up playing the game of conkers with the nuts from this species in Cornwall, England.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Hippocastanaceae)
GenusAesculus
Specieshippocastanum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginEurope, including Greece and Albania, frequently naturalized.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 7a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35 -(-12)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 10
Height30 m
Spread15 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionBroadly pyramidal-rounded form with branches ascending to the ground. Spectacular in bloom.
ID CharacteristicLarge palmate leaf, with brown hairs on the upper surface of the leaf axil. Produces the typical chestnut fruit.
ShapeLarge, pyramidal to rounded crown.
LandscapeAs a specimen, park or landscape tree on a large property.
PropagationSeed, 120 days at 5 °C, seed is recalcitrant and hence does not store for long.
CultivationTolerant of a wide variety of conditions but likes adequate moisture in our summer droughts. Does not like waterlogged soil.
PestsExtensive leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) but does little damage to the tree since it occurs late in the season and hence does not warrant control. Symptoms are irregular brown blotches with light yellow borders, with severe infections causing premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of all fallen leaves in the autumn, do not compost. Prone to horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella).
Notable SpecimensLining the main drive at the Niagara Parks Botanical Garden (these were supposed to be the sterile cultivar Baumanii), Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, England. Lanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England.
Bark/Stem DescriptionDark grey, forming large flat plates.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionVery large, up to 1 cm, globose, acutely pointed, and resinous.
Leaf DescriptionLarge palmate leaf with brown hairs on the upper surface of the leaf axil.
Flower Description20 cm panicles held candelabra fashion above the foliage.
Fruit DescriptionProduces the typical chestnut fruit, 1-3 large brown nuts held in a dark green, spiked capsule.
Colour DescriptionLittle autumn colour since the tree by this time is severely infected with leaf blotch, giving the leaves a rust appearance and texture: ugly.
Texture DescriptionCoarse textured tree.

Photographs