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red horse-chestnut

Scientific Name: Aesculus ×carnea

Family: Hippocastanaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Red Horse Chestnut (Aesculus × carnea)

The Red Horse Chestnut, scientifically known as Aesculus × carnea, is a popular ornamental tree known for its vibrant red blossoms.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the horse chestnut develops into a "glossy red-brown conker inside a spiky green husk." This husk and the conkers themselves may present a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

  • Similar to considerations for pets, the spiky husk and conkers may present a hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aesculus × carnea
  • Common Names: Red Horse Chestnut
  • Aesculus × carnea is an artificial hybrid.
  • It is a cross between A. pavia (Red Buckeye) and A. hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut).
  • A common cultivar is Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii'.
  • Synonyms: Aesculus x carnea

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Red Horse Chestnut originated in Europe in 1812.
  • It is commonly planted in parks and gardens.
  • The hybrid likely originated as a chance occurrence in 19th century Germany.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The Red Horse Chestnut is a deciduous tree.
  • It can grow to a height of 25 meters (82 feet).
  • It has an arched crown.
  • The tree has grey-brown, fairly flakey bark.
  • Leaves are distinctive, with five or more long leaflets, up to 60 cm (2 feet) across..
  • The buds are protected by scale leaves which have a deep red-brown colour.
  • Bright red blossoms appear in May.
  • It produces glossy red-brown conkers inside a spiky green husk in autumn.

Ecological Role

  • The flowers turn red to signal to bees that pollination has occurred.
  • The text indicates that nearly half of conker trees in a 2007 Forestry Commission survey were infected with a particular bacteria.
  • It is more resistant to disease than the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).

Quirky Facts

  • The white flowers turn red as after the flower has been fertilized.

Further Information

  • The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers information on Aesculus carnea 'Briotii'.
  • Monrovia provides details and information on the 'O'Neill Red Horse Chestnut'.