27. Horse Chestnut

Common Name - Horse Chestnut          

Latin Name - Aesculus hippocastanum

Height -   22+ Metres                Spread – 8+ Metres

These beloved trees are very attractive in May when its white, tinged yellow then pink flowers emerge. For many this tree is embellished in people’s childhood as the tree with the spiky casings that encapsulate the tree nuts the ‘Conker’ and used on many a school ground as a means of competition.  

The tree actually originates from the borders of Greece and Albania and was introduced into the Britain in the 1600’s. This is a tall deciduous tree that reaches a height of up to twenty-two metres plus at maturity and although these days can look a little unsightly because of the ‘Leaf Blotch’ on its foliage, it is still a magnificent tree that can live 300+ years.

In respect of wildlife, the trees flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for both insects and bees. Caterpillars of the Triangle Moth and Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner also feed on its leaves, with the latter providing food for our common ‘Blue Tits’. Deer and other mammals also feed on the fruit of the tree.

Whilst the timber is not commercially used, the wood is good for carving and its ‘Conkers’ have been traditionally used to make horse medicines  and the Victorians even would grind the fruit to make ‘Conker Flour’.