Horse chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum

Height up to 20-35 m, bole up to 2.2 m diameter. Deciduous. Crown is domed. Bark is red-brown or dark grey-brown and scaly. Branches are arching, usually turned up at the end. Leaves have five to seven large stalkless leaflets, broader towards tip, 13-30 x 2-13 cm.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Native to the Balkan peninsula. Planted as an ornamental elsewhere. Mixed woodland, parks.

What are its young like?

Flowers are showy white panicles on spikes opening in May, 20-30 cm. The globe-shaped spiny fruit contains one or more large shiny brown nuts (conkers), 3-5 cm.

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