Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Aesculus hippocastanum

Size:  Grows to a height of around 30m and the spread of its branches can be almost as wide

Distribution:  Found throughout the U.K.

Flowering Months:  May to June

Habitat:  Woods, parks, farmland and large gardens

Special features:  Horse Chestnut trees originated in the Balkans and were introduced to the UK in the 1600's as an ornamental tree.  The UK soils and climate suit them well and they grow very successfully here.

Horse Chestnuts are one of the first trees to come into leaf each year.  The leaves are made up of 5 to 7 leaflets.  These trees look at their best in springtime, when they are covered with clusters of either pink or white flowers, known as 'candles'.  The flowers are normally pollinated by the early flying bumble bees.

Shortly after pollination the seeds of the tree appear encased in a prickly green shell about 1cm in doameter.  Through the summer they grow to about 5cm in diameter and then in September the prickly casing splits open to release the shiny brown seed, known as a 'conker'.

Related Pages

• How the Horse Chestnut Got its Name
• Fatal Attraction (Sticky Buds)
• UK Safari Trees Section
• UK Safari Plants and Trees Section
• Free Newsletter