Wilson's Horse Chestnut

Hailing from the mountains of central and western China, Aesculus wilsonii, commonly known as the Wilson’s Horse Chestnut, is a majestic, large deciduous tree with an elegant, upright habit. It is perhaps most admired for its spectacular floral display in early Summer, producing slender, upright panicles of creamy-white flowers, often decorated with a delicate yellow or orange blotch. The foliage is equally impressive: huge, palmately compound leaves emerge with a soft, silvery-downy texture, maturing into a deep, lush green before turning shades of golden-yellow in the Autumn. The fruits are smooth or only slightly warty, lacking the fierce spikes of the common horse chestnut. A choice specimen for large gardens or parklands, this species offers a refined, exotic alternative to its better-known European cousins.

Site: Tolerates moderate exposure
Soil: Prefers moist but well drained loamy soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Late Spring, early Autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 60-80ft (18-25m) Spread: 40-60ft (12-18m)