Description
Horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum) is a large, deciduous, broadleaf tree native to southern Europe, western Asia and north Africa .
The tree is commonly called the "conker" tree after the seeds it sheds in spiny cases in the autumn.
The seeds ("conkers") of the horse chestnut are collected by children (and adults!) for conker competitions. Normally a small hole is drilled through the centre of the conker and a string is attached.
Two conkers are alternately flicked at each other until one breaks.
There's even a world conker championships held in Ashton, Northamptonshire in October every year.
The horse chestnut has hand-shaped, palmate leaves with five to seven toothed leaflets.
In spring, horse chestnuts display wonderful, large, upright flower spikes ranging in colour from white to deep pink. In autumn, it sheds its spiny-cased seeds, known as conkers.
Horse Chestnut is believed to have been introduced to the UK in the 17th century and it has since naturalised here.
Characteristics
It thrives in warm conditions and is therefore usually found in the south of England. It is occasionally found in woodland but is more often planted in parklands and estates.
Horse chestnut is a tree that can grow over 30m (100ft) tall and it can have a very large girth. The bark often has a net-shaped pattern, with deep furrows or fissures running spirally in both directions up the trunk.
The leaves are large, hand-shaped, palmate leaves with five to seven toothed leaflets.
By autumn, the female flowers develop into spiny, protective cases, called cupules.
The prickly outer layer is designed to deter squirrels and other seed predators from getting to the large, brown nuts inside that are shed in October.
Uses
The wood of the tree is durable and is used to make furniture, etc.
Mythology and symbolism
The chestnut tree is associated with fertility, abundance and longevity.
DISCLAMER : Any uses for trees or tree extracts. whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.CO.UK so please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.
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- KEY CHARACTERISTICS ...
Type | | Deciduous (loses its leaves in autumn / winter)
| Height | | Can grow up to 20+ metres (65+ feet)
| Spread | | The branches can spread out to 20+ metres (65+ feet)
| Soil | | Can grow in all soil types
| Perfect for
| | Large gardens, parks, farmland
| Flowers | | White to deep pink flowers in spring
| Fruit | | Nuts in autumn
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