| |
|
Aesculus hippocastanum
Cultivation Notes
This article was provided care of 'Plants For A Future'
| Latin Name: | Aesculus hippocastanum |
| Common Name: | Horse chestnut |
| Family: | Hippocastanaceae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Known Hazards: | The seed is rich in saponins[10, 21, 65]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. |
|
Author: L.
|
| Habit: A Fast Growing Deciduous Tree |
| Habitat: Mountain woods[50]. |
| Height: 30.0 Width: 15.0 |
Cultivation Details:
Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy tolerating poorer drier soils[11, 200]. Tolerates exposed positions and atmospheric pollution[200].
A very ornamental and fast-growing tree[1, 4], it succeeds in most areas of Britain but grows best in eastern and southeastern England[200]. Trees are very hardy when dormant, but the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. The flowers have a delicate honey-like perfume[245].
Trees are tolerant of drastic cutting back and can be severely lopped[200]. They are prone to suddenly losing old heavy branches[98].
The tree comes into bearing within 20 years from seed[98].
Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11].
|
Propagation Notes:
Seed - best sown outdoors or in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[11, 80] It germinates immediately and must be given protection from severe weather[130]. The seed has a very limited viability and must not be allowed to dry out. Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing and even after this may still not be viable[80, 113]. It is best to sow the seed with its 'scar' downwards[130].
|
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
Click on the logo below to visit their great site!
Or view their bibliography
| |
| |
 |
