Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut)
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Beginner skill rating |
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12m max. spread |
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15m max. height |
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20-50 years to maturity |
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1 hour care per year |
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This plant is toxic! |
Botanical name: Aesculus hippocastanum
Other names: Horse chestnut
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Genus: Aesculus
Species: A. hippocastanum - A. 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.
Aesculus hippocastanum is: Deciduous
Flower: Yellow, White in Spring
Foliage: Dark-green in Summer; Reddish-brown in Autumn
Fruit: Green in Autumn
Tree shape: Broad crowned
Toxicity: Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Plant with: Narcissus pseudonarcissus (Wild daffodil)
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Watch out for
Specific pests: Horse chestnut scale , Leaf mining moths
Specific diseases: Coral spot , Canker , Leaf spot
General care
Propagation methods: Grafting, Seed. REGISTER to read more...
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Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.
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Suggested uses: Low Maintenance, Wildlife, Architectural, Specimen tree
Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil. Large tree only really suitable for very large gardens.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |  |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | |
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Aesculus hippocastanum
Comment from
Native to Greece, the horse chestnut was introduced to Britain around 1600. The Turks were said to feed the nuts (conkers) to coughing horses. The name may also come from the horseshoe-shaped scars on its leaves and winter twigs.
- Views: 319
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Sat. 23rd May 2009 10:32
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