Characteristics of Horse Chestnut, Why is it called Horse Chestnut

1. Features

1. Appearance characteristics: Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 25 meters. The bark color is dark brown or grayish brown. The branches are twigs, cylindrical, yellow-brown or gray-brown in color, with yellowish-yellow lenticels. The leaves are palmately compound, consisting of 5-7 leaflets, with petioles 10-12 cm long and gray pubescent. The fruit is spherical or obovate, with a blunt top and slightly concave in the middle, and is yellowish brown. The flowering period is from April to May, and the fruiting period is in October.

2. Growth habits: Horse chestnut has strong germination ability and a medium to low growth rate. It likes light and is slightly shade-tolerant. It is suitable for growing in a warm environment, but can also withstand cold. It grows best in deep, fertile, moist and well-drained soil. Horse chestnut is cultivated in the Yellow River Basin and eastern provinces of China, while wild horse chestnut only exists in the Qinling Mountains.

2. Reasons

The horse chestnut tree gets its name from the fact that its leaves resemble palms and most of them have seven leaves. Also known as the Sal tree, it blooms in early summer and its flowers are tower-shaped like candlesticks. When the flowers bloom, the palm-like leaves hold up the pagoda and also look like candlesticks. It has a straight trunk, graceful tree shape, large and beautiful flowers, and peculiar fruit shape. It has high ornamental value and is one of the famous ornamental tree species. It can be used as a greening tree species for sidewalks, parks, and squares. It is an excellent street tree and ornamental plant in gardens. At the same time, horse chestnut has high economic value and can be used for food, medicine, timber, etc. For example, the bark and roots can be used to make soap, the leaves and flowers can be used to make dyes, and the seeds can be used to extract starch, press oil, and be eaten. Wood can be used for papermaking, carving, making furniture and handicrafts, etc.