Description

Aesculus – Buckeye – Horse Chestnut

There’s about 20 species of deciduous shrubs and tall trees in this genus.  More then half are native to North America some found from Asia to southeast Europe.  General found in deep soil in a sheltered valleys, They have large compound leafs comprised of 5-11 leaflets that are mid green to dark green.  In spring or summer showy upright panicles of cream to reddish 4-5 petaled flowers ½-1 ¼” wide flowers bloom at branch tips in a conical shape.  Inedible fruits contained in big seed capsules that vary form smooth to spiny which the common name Horse Chestnut derives form.  All parts if indigested may upset stomach. Performs best in cool temperature climates, in deep fertile and moisture retentive soil, most are frost hardy.  Plant in full sun or partial shade.  Well suited for parks or open gardens. Prone to canker, coral spot, leaf blotch, Japanese beetles, scale insects, Anthracnose, rust, and powdery mildew. Aesculus parviflora – Bottlebrush Buckeye – Grows only 10’ feet tall and 15’ feet wide forms a broad spreading clump of many stems.  Found in woodland areas of the Southeastern North America.  In spring the leaves unfold bronze. It bear 5-7 palmate mid to dark green leaves divided into egg shape to rounded leaflets 9” long and are strongly veined with downy undersides.  In autumn the leaves turn yellow.  On slender panicles of spidery white conical pinnacles 12” long are borne mid summer followed by smooth skinned fruit.  Best grown in areas with hot humid summers, will tolerate all but poorly drained soil. Zones 6-10