Aesculus x carnea Red horse chestnut (Hippocastanaceae) Deciduous tree

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Aesculus x carnea
Red horse chestnut
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Aesculus x carnea plant species is found in A cultivated hybrid of garden origin, A. hippocastanum x A. pavia. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Red horse chestnut.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aesculus x carnea
Common Name:  Red horse chestnut
Family:  Hippocastanaceae
Author:  Hayne.

Known Hazards:  The seed is rich in saponins[169]. 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:  25   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Not known in the wild.

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy[1, 11]. The dormant tree tolerates temperatures down to at least -15°c[200], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. It prefers a continental climate, growing best in eastern and southeastern England[200]. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value[11, 200]. Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11]. Abnormal cell development in this species may result in eruptions on trunks over 30cm in diameter - these ultimately decay[200]. Although a hybrid species, it breeds true from seed due to a doubling of the chromosomes[11, 17].

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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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