Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Large trees

• Maximum height
  60 feet
• Relative growth rate
  Poor
• Freedom from insect pests
  Good
• Freedom from disease problems
  Good
• Resistance to storm damage
  Poor
• Will grow on poorly drained soil
  Poor
• Will grow in hot, dry areas
  Poor
• Easy to transplant
  Poor
• Withstands city conditions
  Poor

The horse chestnut is a magnificent tree in the spring when its foot-long panicles of showy flowers cover the tree like candles on a Christmas tree. It is definitely not a tree for the small yard. Its course texture and large size make it look out of place except in a very large area. The horse chestnut has earned a bad reputation in many areas. Its branches are relatively weak and subject to storm damage. The large nuts are produced profusely. They have no economic or ornamental value and are a nuisance wherever they fall.

The Baumann horse chestnut, a double-flowered variety, should be planted in preference to the standard varieties because it does not produce seed. There is also a red-flowered form available that is more showy than the standard white-flowered types.