Aesculus hippocastanum (horse-chestnut, "Seiyotochinoki")

Japanese name: セイヨウトチノキ （西洋栃、西洋橡、西洋栃の木）
Scientific name: Aesculus hippocastanum

[Overview]
A deciduous tree growing up to 35 m tall.
The leaves are opposite and palmately compound, with 5–7 leaflets.
The leaflets are 13–30 cm long with serrate margins.
The petiole is 7–20 cm long.
The winter buds are large and sticky.
Erect compound racemes, conical in shape and 10–30 cm long, bear 20–50 flowers.
The flowers face sideways and are white and 5-petaled, with a pattern at the base that is first yellow and later turns pale red.
The stamens are longer than the petals and curve upward.
The fruit is a spherical capsule with spines on the surface.
The seeds look like chestnuts.

[Uses]
In Europe and North America it is widely used as a street tree.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by grafting.
It grows large and takes up space, so it needs a wide area.
It prefers cool regions and fertile soil that is sunny and well drained.
It dislikes dryness and strong summer afternoon sun.
Water only enough to keep it from drying out.
In winter and when fruit begins to form, apply compost around the base of the plant.
In warm regions and cities where the soil and air are dry, the leaf tips are damaged, so care is needed.
Also, because the leaves are large and thin, they are easily damaged by sea breezes and strong winds.
Avoid transplanting mature trees.
Pruning is not particularly necessary, but if it bothers you, just thin out obstructing branches.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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