Eastern Forest Threat Center - Horse Chestnut

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Horse chestnut foliage and flowers

Horse chestnut foliage and flowers

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum

Horse chestnut is native to Europe. It has been planted as an ornamental for its attractive large white flowers and has escaped intended plantings.

Keywords: Hippocastanaceae, deciduous, tree, large buds and leaf scars, terminal flower clusters, toxic; Common names: Hippocastanum, bongay, konker-tree

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree reaching 50 to 80 ft. in height with a round or oblong crown. Its large leaves are opposite and palmately divided with 5 leaflets. Buds are large and brown to nearly black, and leaf scars are large and shield-shaped or irregular. White flowers with yellow and red spots are produced in spring. The flowers have 5 petals, are bisexual, and appear in large, terminal clusters. The fruit is a round, prickly, leathery capsule enclosing 1 to 3 smooth, chestnut brown seeds. Horse chestnut prefers full sun and can grow in clay, loam, sand, acidic, alkaline, or well-drained soils. Its weak-wooded branches break easily. The large leaves, nuts, and dropping twigs create litter. Once established, this species competes with native species for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. Seeds and tea made from leaves and sprouts are highly toxic and can cause death.