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].

For further Aesculus hippocastanum gardening information
click on one of the blue links below
 
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'.
View their bibliography