Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
| Species | : | Aesculus Hippocastanum |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name(s) | : | Horse Chestnut |
| Genus | : | Aesculus |
| Seasons of Interest | : | Spring Interest,Autumn Interest |
| Tree Features | : | White Flower,Good for Bees |
| Mature Size | : | Large (over 20m) |
| Shape | : | Oval |
| Soil Type | : | Chalk Soil |
| Tree Type | : | Deciduous Broad Leaf |
| Tolerances | : | Pollution resistant |
| Tree uses | : | Avenue Trees,Parkland Trees |
Aesculus hippocastanum
Although not a native of Britain, the horse chestnut is one of our best-loved and most majestic of trees. Who can imagine a childhood without conkers?
Very attractive in late spring with its white, tinged yellow then pink, candle-like flowers, followed by burnished “conkers” in their spiky casings.
It originates from the borders of Greece and Albania and was introduced to Britain in the early 1600s.
Wonderful in parks and open spaces. This tree heralds the first days of spring when it bursts into life with its stocky growth and profuse display of flowers.
Next to Platanus hispanica it is probably London’s most common tree, thriving in all soils and tolerating air pollution. However, over recent years it has been subjected to a number of debilitating pests ranging from bleeding canker to leaf blotch and leaf miner so beware! Generally the further north you get the less prone it is to these problems.
Mature height: 20m+
