Description
Aesculus hippocastanum is the Latin name for the classic horse chestnut tree. In the late spring the characteristic candle like flowers appear in their masses, generally white yet tinged with yellow and pink. First introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th century.
The bark of these chestnuts is smooth and pinky grey when young, which darkens and develops scaly plates with age. Twigs are hairless and stout, buds are oval, dark red, shiny and sticky. The distinctive large leaves have serrated leaflets.
In autumn Aesculus hippocastanum bears shiny, brown conkers (seed) in spiky green caskets.
