Images of the Common Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Common Horsechestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum

Also called the Conker Tree, this native to southeastern Europe is widely cultivated in North America for its beautiful flowers. Trees have domed crowns and produce spiky green fruits, called conkers. The conkers contain large seeds that are toxic to humans, but are eaten by deer.

Habitat:Planted as an ornamental or has escaped in some areas.

Growth Habit:Deciduous tree, growing 10-20 m tall.

Bloom Time:Spring.

Longevity:Moderately long-lived.

Presence in US:CT GA IA IL IN MA MD ME MI MN NC NJ NY OH OR PA RI SC VA WV

Presence in Canada:BC NB ON QC

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).