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The European horse chestnut originates from Persia but is an autochthonous species on the entire Balkan peninsula.
Habitus: The horse chestnut can grow up to 35 m, with a trunk diameter of 2 m and a crown with a diameter of 10 m. The crown is dense and branched. Chestnut bark is dark brown in color and smooth in young trees, and later becomes fissured. The chestnut root is branched and well developed and superficially located. Chestnut bark is dark brown in color and smooth in young trees, and later becomes fissured.
Flower: Horse chestnut flowers grow in bunches, they are large and white with distinct yellow and pink spots, there are 5 petals that are folded back, there are seven stamens longer than the petals, and the fruiting body is overgrown. They bloom for 7-8 days in April and May, after leafing.
Leaves: leaves opposite and up to 20 cm long, on long petioles and composed of 7 leaflets, narrowed at the base. The leaves take on a golden yellow color in autumn.
Horse chestnut grows best on humus, deep soil, but it can also survive on dry and poor soils. Due to its shallow roots, horse chestnut likes loose soil, moist and close to water. It suits a moderate climate and enough sun, but it can also grow in the shade.
It is propagated by seeds and cuttings. A horse chestnut seed is self-fertile, so when it falls to the ground, a new plant can develop.
Aesculus hippocastanum Albovariegata
Aesculus hippocastanum Incisa
Aesculus hippocastanum Pyramidalis
Aesculus hippocastanum Pendula
Aesculus hippocastanum Umbraculifera
Diseases: bleeding canker of horse chestnut (Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi), verticillium disease
Pests: horse-chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella)
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