Red Horsechestnut
Aesculus x carnea
Red Horsechestnut (Aesculus x carnea) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
medium water30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wideDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: "Aesculus x carnea" by soltenviva is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: (c) the swamp ass, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) the swamp ass, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: "Aesculus x carnea PICT0366" by Opuntia is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: "Aesculus x carnea" by romana klee is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: (c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–7
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- pink, red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesPest and disease pressure is the main knock here, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Critical: Salt ToleranceIt has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red Horsechestnut good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Red Horsechestnut is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Red Horsechestnut only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Pest and disease pressure is the main knock here, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site. The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter. It has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
- How big does Red Horsechestnut get?
- It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Red Horsechestnut need?
- Give Red Horsechestnut about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Red Horsechestnut grow into?
- Red Horsechestnut typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Red Horsechestnut hardy on the Front Range?
- Red Horsechestnut is hardy in USDA 4–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Red Horsechestnut need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Red Horsechestnut grow?
- Red Horsechestnut is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Red Horsechestnut live?
- Red Horsechestnut has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Red Horsechestnut safe for dogs?
- No. Red Horsechestnut is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Red Horsechestnut deer-resistant?
- Red Horsechestnut is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
