A horsechestnut G. Lumis |
The leaves of horsechestnut G. Lumis |
The fruit and leaves of horsechestnut G. Lumis |
Scientific Name: Aesculus hippocastanum
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
Height: 60 ft
Spread: 50 ft
Form: rounded
Type: deciduous tree
Annual Growth Rate: more than 18 inches
Flowers: White
Comments
Horsechestnut casts dense shade, has a coarse texture and prefers a sunny exposure sheltered from wind. The tree is easily transplanted and grows rapidly while young but slows down with age. The panicles of white flowers produced at the branch tips are the main ornamental feature of Horsechestnut. The flowers are followed by nuts covered with spiny husks. The large leaves, nuts and dropping twigs can create litter problems. Horsechestnut is weak wooded and develops leaf scorch during the summer.
Baumanii horsechestnut G. Lumis |
Flowers of a Baumanii horsechestnut G. Lumis |
Cultivars
'Baumanni' - The double, white flowers do not produce any nuts and so reduces litter problems. The tree is otherwise similar to the species.
Text courtesy Michigan State University Extension