Aesculus hippocastanum

Aesculus hippocastanum, also known as the Horse Chestnut or Conker Tree, is one of the most loved traditional trees in Britain, yet is not technically classified as being native to this country. Whilst the classic Horse Chestnut as we know it is actually native to the borders of Greece and Albania, this stunning parkland tree has been found in Britain for over 400 years having been introduced in the early 1600s.

The foliage of the Aesculus hippocastanum is distinct, with each leaf containing several leaflets that span a width of around 60cm. In the late spring, the characteristic candle-like flowers appear in their masses, generally white yet tinged with yellow and pink. In autumn the shiny, brown conkers are born in their spiky caskets, perfectly ready to become the next champion in the playground!

Aesculus hippocastanum is generally a tough tree, thriving in a wide range of soil types and conditions. It is interestingly one of London’s most commonly planted trees, rivalled only by Platanus x hispanica, the London Plane tree. The Conker tree, Aesculus hippocastanum, forms a vast and impressive tree at maturity; with this in mind, it is best suited to estates, parklands and generous open spaces where it will not be compromised by lack of space in years to come.

While Aesculus hippocastanum is generally robust, it has faced challenges in recent years. Various pests, such as leaf miners and bleeding canker, have posed significant threats to its health. Interestingly, these issues appear to diminish in severity the further north the tree is planted. However, before embarking on large-scale plantings, it's essential to carefully consider these factors.

Mature height: 20m+