Common Names: Hippocastanum,
horse chestnut, bongay, konker-tree
Native Origin: Europe
Description: Deciduous tree
reaching 50 to 80 feet in height with a round or
oblong crown. Large leaves are opposite, palmately
divided with 5 leaflets. Large white flowers with
yellow and red spots are produced in spring. Flowers
are bisexual and have 5 white petals in large,
terminal clusters. The fruit is a round, prickly,
leathery capsule enclosing 1 to 3 smooth, chestnut
brown seeds. Buds are large brown to nearly black
and leaf-scars are large, shield-shaped or
irregular.
Habitat: It prefers full sun
and can grow in clay, loam, sand, acidic, alkaline,
or well-drained soils.
Distribution: It is located
from Maine in the Northeastern states to the
Midwestern states and south to North and South
Carolina. In addition, the National Park Service
reports it invasive in GA, ME, OR, PA, and WI. It
may be scattered in northern Kentucky.
Ecological Impacts: This
species is on the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant
Council list. It has been planted as an ornamental
for the attractive large white flowers and has
escaped intended plantings. The weak-wooded branches
break easily. The large leaves, nuts and dropping
twigs create litter. Once established, this species
competes with native species for sunlight, moisture
and nutrients.
Toxicity: Seeds and tea made
from leaves and sprouts are highly toxic and can
cause death.
Control and Management:
• Manual- Girdle remove bark and phloem
layer from 10 cm band around trunk; Note: damaging
the xylem layer could encourage suckering
• Chemical- Cut stems then
apply herbicide; retreat suckers. Contact your state
extension service. Follow label instructions and
wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Natural Enemies: White-marked
tussock moth,
Japanese beetle, leaf blotch disease, powdery
mildew, anthracnose, and leaf scorch
References:
www.invasive.org
www.plants.usda.gov
www.nps.gov/plants/alien/map/aehi1.htm
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Aescuhi.htm
www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/herbhunters/horsechestnut.html
www.hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/AESHIPA.pdf
www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/syllabus/ahippocastanum.htm
www.rbg.ca/cbcn/en/projects/invasives/i_tree2.html#Horsechestnut
From the USDA Forest Service,
Forest health Staff, Newtown Square, PA.
Invasive Plants website:
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants
