Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut (Hippocastanaceae) Deciduous tree

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Aesculus hippocastanum
Horse chestnut
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Aesculus hippocastanum plant species is found in Europe - N. Greece and Albania. Naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Horse chestnut.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aesculus hippocastanum
Common Name:  Horse chestnut
Family:  Hippocastanaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The seed is rich in saponins[10, 21, 65]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  30   Mature Width:  15

Habitat:  Mountain woods[50].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy tolerating poorer drier soils[11, 200]. Tolerates exposed positions and atmospheric pollution[200]. A very ornamental and fast-growing tree[1, 4], it succeeds in most areas of Britain but grows best in eastern and southeastern England[200]. Trees are very hardy when dormant, but the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. The flowers have a delicate honey-like perfume[245]. Trees are tolerant of drastic cutting back and can be severely lopped[200]. They are prone to suddenly losing old heavy branches[98]. The tree comes into bearing within 20 years from seed[98]. Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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