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AESCULUS
Commonly known as Buckeye, Ohio Buckeye
The horse chestnut, or buckeye, is a genus of about 15 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from southeastern Europe, the Himalayas, eatern Asia and North America.
Striking for their large flower spikes in candles most are too large for average gardens and are popular street and park trees.
The common "hippocastanum" was brought into the UK from Turkey in the late 16th century.
They provide nectar and pollen for insects, particularly bees, and the fruit "conker" is eaten by mammals.
Plant Details
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Good to know
Wildlife plant. Nectar and pollen for insects. -
Pests & Diseases
Scale insects, leaf miners, canker, coral spot, leaf blotch -
Place of origin
Central and eastern USA -
Deciduous5-palmate, glossy, light green leaves with obovate to ovate, long-pointed leaflets 15cm (6in) or more long. Leaves turn yellow to orange-red in autumn
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PaniclesConical panicles to 15cm (6in) tall
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Fully hardy
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Palmate
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Obovate
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Ovate
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Height
15m (49ft) -
Spread
10m (33ft)
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Treecandles of flowers are followed by sparsely prickly fruit
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Very hardy
Hardy in the severest continental climates including exposed upland locations in the UK. Plant can withstand temperatures < -20 (-4°F) -
Spring Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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harmful if eaten
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Broadly conical
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Bee friendly
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Mature Size15m (49ft)
10m (33ft)
Planting Tips and Care Advice
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Pruning group
Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
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Soil Conditions
Fertile moist well-drained soil
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Sun Requirements
Full sun
Partial shade
