The Common Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a large attractive ornamental deciduous tree from the Balkans. It has large compound leaves shaped like a hand, that emerge early in spring. The leaflets point downwards forming an attractive base for the large upright clusters of flowers, white with tinges of red. These are followed by shiny brown golf ball sized nuts (conkers) in rough husks that are not edible (although they resemble the edible chestnut), ornamental only. This plant contains toxins that are poisonous to humans and animals.
• Uses: ornamental tree, shade tree, specimen tree, parks and large gardens
• Size: typically 12-18 metres high and can grow to 30 m tall depending on conditions
• Flowering/Fruiting: flowers spring and fruit into summer
• Features: very attractive long-lived ornamental shade tree with striking flowers, yellow autumn foliage
Reference Lord, E. E. and Willis, J. H. (1982) Shrubs and trees for Australian gardens (5th End). Lothian Publishing Company, Melbourne.
Reference Macoboy, S. (1979) What tree is that? Ure Smith, Sydney.
