Horsechestnut | Chautauqua Park in Boulder
Aesculus hippocastanum
Horsechestnut
Similar to Ohio Buckeye but larger at 60’X45' and more conical in shape growing slow and preferring medium soil moisture. The bark exfoliates or peels. Does quite well in alkaline (high ph) soils. Doing well in cooler sites they display beautiful white flower clusters in the late spring and bare an inedible spiky fruit.
Being a weak wood the branches snap easily from snow load and high wind. Careful canopy pruning can help alleviate some this issue.
Susceptible to several fungi and pests in most climates. Seems to be free of pests and diseases along the Front Range.
Several cultivars available including fruitless varieties.
Traditionally the fruit was used for dying linens blue and also for making acetone. The nut is poisonous, but unlikely fatal if ingested although deer have an enzyme allowing it to be eaten without harm.
This was the tree that Anne Frank saw from her family’s attic hideaway during WWII in Amsterdam. The 150 year old tree is still there despite its many afflictions and attempts by the city to condemn it. (1/30/2009)