Aesculus × carnea, commonly called red horse chestnut, is the result of a cross between A. hippocastanum and A. pavia that was discovered in Europe in 1812. It is a small, oval to rounded, deciduous tree that grows 30-40’ tall, and is perhaps best noted for its attractive red flowers. It features dark green palmate compound leaves with 5 (less frequently 7) spreading ovate-oblong leaflets (6-10” long). Leaflets have doubly-toothed margins. Fall color is somewhat undistinguished. Very showy red flowers appear in upright terminal panicles (to 6-8” long) in mid-spring. Flowers are followed by slightly prickly husky capsules (1.5” diameter), each typically containing two or three nuts.
About Aesculus x carnea
Common Name: Red Horse Chestnut
Sun Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Medium 6"-12" per year
