Aesculus hippocastanum - Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut

Originally from the Balkans but long naturalised in Ireland, the familiar Horse Chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum - is a large, deciduous tree, with a broad, domed, spreading crown and imposing habit. The branches are slightly pendulous, turning up at the tips. The big, sticky buds are very prominent in winter. In May, the tree is covered with showy ‘candles’ of creamy white flowers with a yellow spot which turns pinkish-red with age; these are a valuable nectar-source for bees. These are followed in early autumn by big, spiky fruit which split to expose the familiar, shiny-brown ‘conker’. The leaves, which appear early in April, are large and green, divided into 5-7 leaflets; they turn reddish brown in autumn. The Horse Chestnut makes a handsome specimen tree for a park or large garden, and is of interest at all times of year.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: Eventually 130ft (39m) Spread: 26ft (8m)

Type | Size: Bareroot | 1-2ft
Price
€6
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Frequently Bought Together

Out of stock

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 12/05/2025

OUR WEBSITE IS TEMPORARILY PAUSED TO NEW ORDERS TO ALLOW US TO PROCESS ORDERS ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM.

Our nursery is open as usual - our opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 to 5.30, Sunday & bank holiday Mondays from 12 to 5.30

The Coffee Bee is open from Thursday to Sunday & bank holiday Mondays

Thanks for signing up for restock notifications!
There was an error signing up for restock notifications. Please try again.

Sign up for restock notifications

Notify Me