Contents
Description
Aesculus Chinensis, also known as Chinese horse chestnut, is a species of flowering plant in the soapberry family. It is native to China and has been introduced to various parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters tall. The bark is gray and smooth, and the leaves are palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. It produces erect panicles of white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by spiny capsules that contain one or two large seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Aesculus |
Appearance
Chinese horse chestnut is a large deciduous tree with a broad rounded crown. The bark is gray and smooth, becoming rough and scaly as the tree ages. The leaves are palmately compound and measure 20-30 cm in length. The leaflets are ovate to lanceolate in shape and have serrated margins. The flowers are borne in erect panicles that measure up to 30 cm in length. The individual flowers are white or pink and have 4-5 petals. The fruit is a spiny capsule that contains one or two large seeds.
Care Guide
Chinese horse chestnut prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. Fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote healthy growth. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chinese horse chestnut is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf blotch, powdery mildew, and scale insects. These problems can be treated with fungicides or insecticides.
Habitat
Chinese horse chestnut is native to China, where it grows in mixed forests and along streambanks. It has been introduced to various parts of the world as an ornamental plant and can be found in parks, gardens, and along streets.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chinese horse chestnut a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, Chinese horse chestnut is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 1 meter per year.
Q: Can Chinese horse chestnut tolerate drought?
A: No, Chinese horse chestnut prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly.
Q: When does Chinese horse chestnut bloom?
A: Chinese horse chestnut blooms in late spring or early summer.
Q: Can Chinese horse chestnut be grown in containers?
A: No, Chinese horse chestnut is a large tree that is not suitable for container growing.
Related Plants
- Aesculus hippocastanum (common horse chestnut)
- Aesculus pavia (red buckeye)
- Aesculus parviflora (bottlebrush buckeye)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation, and uses.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Aesculus chinensis. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287422&isprofile=0&
- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Aesculus chinensis. Retrieved from http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=8
