Red Horse Chestnut
Aesculus x carnea · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
Tree Category
Ornamental, Flowering Tree, Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Briotii (specifically identified by the deep ruby-red flower spikes)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8; adaptable to temperate climates but susceptible to leaf scorch in very hot, dry areas.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a dense, rounded to oval crown. It is a man-made hybrid known for its showy 8-10 inch upright pink-to-red flower panicles and dark green, lustrous foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets. Leaflets are obovate, dark green, rugose (wrinkled texture), with serrated margins; turns yellow or brown in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brownish-gray; initially smooth but becomes scaly and fissured with age, sometimes developing shallow plates.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Garden hybrid of European origin (Aesculus hippocastanum x Aesculus pavia); common in North America and Europe.
Growing Season
Buds break in early spring; flowers appear late spring (May); fruits mature in fall; dormant during winter months.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils. Moderate water needs; does not tolerate extreme drought well.
Mature Size
30-40 feet in height with a similar spread of 25-35 feet. Growth rate is moderate; lifespan typically 50-150 years.
Special Characteristics
Significant resistance to leaf blotch compared to the common Horse Chestnut; produces fewer and less prickly husks (fruit); spectacular late-spring floral display.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees for nectar. The nuts (conkers) are largely sterile but may be used as occasional forage for mammals, though they are toxic to humans if ingested.