horsechestnut Hippocastanaceae Aesculus hippocastanum L.   symbol: AEHI
	Leaf: Opposite, palmately compound leaf with usually 7, obovate, serrate leaflets (4 to 6 inches long), dark green above and paler below, petioles as long as leaflets. Flower: Creamy white in a large showy upright cluster, 5 to 8 inches long, appear in spring. Fruit: Nearly round with thick, leathery very spiny husks enclosing 1 to 3 smooth, chestnut brown seeds. Twig: Stout, with a large shield-shaped leaf scar; terminal buds are large (1/2 to 1 inch); shiny, sticky and reddish brown, lateral buds are much smaller. Bark: Light to dark brownish gray, developing irregular scaly, rough ridges. Form: Upright, 40 to 60 feet tall with a round or oblong crown, 1 to 2 feet in diameter.
	USDA Plants Database Aesculus hippocastanum is planted in the highlighted USDA hardiness zones to the left and may seed into the landscape. See a map of the states in which horsechestnut has escaped (opens a new window).