Red Horse-Chestnut
ExplorePlants
Red Horse-Chestnut
aesculus × carnea
The Red Horse-Chestnut is a beautiful tree that produces bright, showy flowers. It’s a favorite spot for kids to play and explore in the park!
Habitat: Typically found in parks and gardens, often planted for ornamental purposes.
Appearance
The Red Horse-Chestnut has striking, upright clusters of deep pink to red flowers, often marked with a yellow blotch, making it highly visible. Its large, dark green leaves are palmate, shaped like an open hand, forming a dense, rounded canopy.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAesculus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient people once fed its seeds to horses, believing it helped with their breathing!
Its 'chestnuts' look real but are poisonous imposters, never eat them!
Look closely, the yellow spot on its flowers changes color to guide bees after pollination!
This beautiful tree is a hybrid, meaning it's a natural mix of two different parent species!
Special abilities
Ability
Pollinator Beacon
Red Horse-Chestnut has vibrant red-pink flowers that contain nectar guides, helping insects find their way to pollinate them.
Ability
Toxic Shield
The tree produces toxic compounds in its seeds, leaves, and bark, which helps it defend against most hungry animals.
Ability
Leafy Shade Provider
Red Horse-Chestnut has large, dense leaves that create deep shade below, helping conserve water for itself and other plants.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1500-2500 cm
- Spread
- 800-1500 cm
- Flower Size
- 10-30 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Gathers nectar and pollen from its vibrant blooms.
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen, contributing to reproduction.
parasitizes
Horse-chestnut Leaf Miner
Cameraria ohridella
Larvae tunnel inside leaves, causing premature browning.
Traits
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Red Chestnut
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to eat the seeds, as they are not safe for humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Red Horse-Chestnut?
The easiest way to identify Red Horse-Chestnut is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Red Horse-Chestnut?
1500-2500 cm
How wide does Red Horse-Chestnut spread?
800-1500 cm
How big are the flowers on Red Horse-Chestnut?
10-30 cm
When does Red Horse-Chestnut bloom?
Late spring
Is Red Horse-Chestnut edible?
No
Is Red Horse-Chestnut toxic?
High
What is Red Horse-Chestnut's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
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