Aesculus hippocastanum

Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut, is a deciduous tree native to the Balkans and south-eastern Europe.

Characteristics
A large tree reaching about 20-30 m, with a broad, rounded crown and a short, sturdy trunk whose grey-brown bark becomes furrowed with age. The leaves are large and palmate, made up of five to seven lanceolate leaflets, dark green turning yellow or brown in autumn. In spring it produces showy, scented flowers in upright terminal panicles, usually white with yellow or red markings and very attractive to pollinators, followed by the spiny capsules containing the familiar shiny brown conkers.

Growing and care
Sun or partial shade and deep, fresh, well drained soil; very hardy and long lived. Water while establishing; prune only in the dormant season to remove damaged wood. Watch for leaf miner and leaf blotch, which disfigure the foliage in late summer without threatening the tree.

Uses
A majestic shade tree for parks, avenues, large gardens and public spaces.