Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Among large trees, the Horse Chestnut displays some of the most magnificent autumn colours, the bright creamy yellow autumn leaves adorning the tree for several weeks. Avenues of chestnut trees are particularly impressive in autumn.
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Appearance
Among large trees, the Horse Chestnut displays some of the most magnificent autumn colours, the bright creamy yellow autumn leaves adorning the tree for several weeks. Avenues of chestnut trees are particularly impressive in autumn.
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Spring
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Leaves
Palmate feathered, 10.0-30.0cm long, 10.0-30.0cm wide, leaf stem 10.0-20.0cm long. Edge toothed or double-toothed. Leaves dark green above, pale green below, turning a decorative yellow colour in autumn.
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Leaf upperside
Palmate feathered, 10.0-30.0cm long, 10.0-30.0cm wide, leaf stem 10.0-20.0cm long. Edge toothed or double-toothed. Leaves dark green above, pale green below, turning a decorative yellow colour in autumn.
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Leaf underside
Palmate feathered, 10.0-30.0cm long, 10.0-30.0cm wide, leaf stem 10.0-20.0cm long. Edge toothed or double-toothed. Leaves dark green above, pale green below, turning a decorative yellow colour in autumn.
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Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, large clusters with white, yellow-red speckled flowers approx. 2.0cm long; clusters 20.0-30.0cm long.
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Fruits
Spiny dehiscent husks, 5.0-6.0cm wide, containing 1-2 brown chestnuts.
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Bark
Brown or grey-brown bark, young grey bark turning pale grey with age. Smooth young bark peels off in large flakes with age. Branches are pale pinkish-brown, reddish-purple or pale brown.
Poisonousness
All organs are toxic. The green husks and the seeds, in particular, contain saponins. If the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is intact it is unlikely that ingestion of the toxins will be more than minimal.
Application
Open country, noise abatement, wind-break, forage for honey-bees, public areas, parks, urban areas, roadside verges
Native regions
Southern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Middle East, Asia Minor
Location parameters
Light: full sun to sunny, temperature: warm, soil: fresh to moist, stagnant moisture: to be avoided, soil structure: firm to normal, soil depth: deep, compaction: to be avoided, soil quality: medium to high, pH value: 6.0 to 8.0
Demands
Likes sun and warmth, frost-hardy; fresh to moist, slightly acid to alkaline; deep, fairly heavy soil; will not thrive in sandy soil; avoids dry air and dry soil, highly intolerant of salt
Growth
Height of growth: 25m to 30m, spread: 12m to 15m, normal growth potential, growth habits: wide, rounded, dense
Leaves
Palmate feathered, 10.0-30.0cm long, 10.0-30.0cm wide, leaf stem 10.0-20.0cm long. Edge toothed or double-toothed. Leaves dark green above, pale green below, turning a decorative yellow colour in autumn.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, large clusters with white, yellow-red speckled flowers approx. 2.0cm long; clusters 20.0-30.0cm long.
Fruits
Spiny dehiscent husks, 5.0-6.0cm wide, containing 1-2 brown chestnuts.
Bark
Brown or grey-brown bark, young grey bark turning pale grey with age. Smooth young bark peels off in large flakes with age. Branches are pale pinkish-brown, reddish-purple or pale brown.
Roots
Shallow and far-reaching, can lift pavements if a safe distance is not maintained; paving should end at least 1m from trunk; sensitive to intervention and soil compaction