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Aesculus hippocastanum

Also Known As

Common Horse Chestnut
European Horsechestnut

Plant type

tree

size

H: 50'-75'
W: 40'-65'

planting zones

3a-9b

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Aesculus hippocastanum plant details

Aesculus hippocastanum is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aesculus hippocastanum

Plant type: tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 40 FT - 65 FT - wide, 50 FT - 75 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: big leaves, shade tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aesculus hippocastanum

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Though seemingly belittled as the 'common' horse chestnut, this is the magnificent Horse Chestnut, the emperor of them all, lifting its imperial head to 50-75' or more; spring finds it illuminated with enormous candelabra flowers of white with red or yellow markings, the fruit is a shiny brown 'conker' nut encased in a spiny outer husk; a beautiful specimen for large lawns and parks and commonly seen planted in beer gardens in Germany as they used to use this tree to shade the lagering cellars! S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Horse chestnut can be spectacular in the right setting they get huge 100' tall and nearly as wide with very showy panicles of flowers. They are best viewed from a distance and planted in moist soils to avoid the late summer ugly leaf problems, the nuts are pretty much useless but kids do love to throw them, mostly at each other.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Horsechestnut.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Aesculus hippocastanum is a vigorous, spreading rounded, deciduous tree with palmately-lobed mid green leaves that turn yellow, red or orange in autumn. It bears large white flowers in summer followed by spiny brown chestnuts

By: Oregon Grown Tree Farm

Eventually reaching 75', this horse chestnut has 5-7 oblong leaflets to 12" on palmate leaves. It's one of the earliest trees to leaf out and has a beautiful white flower with an interesting center that changes from yellow to red as it matures; spiny fruit follows.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Garden photo gallery of Aesculus hippocastanum

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By: Plant Image Library

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By: Plant Image Library

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By: Plant Image Library

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Gardening facts about Aesculus hippocastanum plant

How to Grow Aesculus hippocastanum

Sun Exposure
- sun
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- clay
- acidic
- alkaline
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- humidity tolerant