Aesculus hippocastanum  Horsechestnut Hippocastanaceae

  Aesculus hippocastanum   Aesculus hippocastanum

  Originally from SE Europe. Moderate to fast growth deciduous trees. Design height is 40', mature height is 80'. Palmate leaves, medium green, serrulate and oppositely arranged. Compared to A. californica, leaf is larger, margins are more ragged. Leaf shape is obovate, about 12" long. Flowers: "Big, fat" terminal buds. Creamy white flowers with pink to red patch in center. Blooms April through May.

Prefers full to part sun, keep moist, deep well-drained soil. Propagates by grafting, seeds. Prune to shape. Uses: Canopy tree, shade tree, estate tree.

Genus includes about 15 species of deciduous trees and shrubs.

Photo taken at Strybing.