Ippocastano Fiore Bianco

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Sapindaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Aesculus

Species

hippocastanum

Description

First-class polyannual deciduous tree with large, dense, rounded crown. Due to the majesty and elegance of its plant architecture, it is suitable for large green spaces, both private and public, where it will be a landscape focal point whose high aesthetic value will also be enhanced by its large panicle-shaped inflorescences bearing cream-coloured flowers in spring. It is highly hardy and prefers sunny locations in soil free of waterlogging, also tolerating the winter cold.

Variety description

Important tree both for its wide use in all European countries and for its botanical quality. A very large plant, exceeding 30 metres in height and long-lived if maintained carefully and correctly. It has a wide, regular round oval foliage. With strong, close branching, but becoming more distant with age. Dense foliage, but allows good light to penetrate. Dark green leaves turning deep yellow in autumn. Excellent flowering in spring, very scenic, creamy white in colour, lasting approx. 3 - 4 weeks. The root system is strong and well distributed, consisting of a primary root that penetrates deep into the soil with good secondary branching. Maintain a sufficient area of loose soil at the base and a distance of a few metres with paving and surface asphalt. Long-lived tree, requires a sunny, open exposure. Multifunctional tree, for urban green areas, industrial areas, landscaping and renaturation of lowland, hill and low mountain areas. Not suitable for green roof areas. Long-lived plant that withstands pruning and is resistant to urban tree diseases of the crown and roots. Suitable for all soil types.

Curiosities and special features

The specific epithet derives from the Greek híppos, i.e. horse, and from cástanon, i.e. chestnut, referring to the fruits containing large, chestnut-like seeds. These seeds are poisonous if ingested due to their saponoside content, from which soap was made in times of crisis, particularly during the Second World War.

Origin and distribution

Species native to the geographic range including the Central Balkan Peninsula and Turkey; it was introduced to Italy by Pietro Andrea Mattioli, a 16th century humanist physician and botanist. Today it is widespread in the temperate biomes of America, Europe and Russia.

Leaf

Leaf takes on ornamental value by displaying the distinctive Palmato lobata lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late winter to mid-spring for 20 to 30 days, during which time one can admire the fragrant, creamy-white flowers arranged in elegant, conical, erect, panicle-like terminal inflorescences.

Leaf colour

Homogeneous hue turning to bright yellow in autumn.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 4 to 30 m, making it a first-class tree.

Lifespan

Deciduous polyannual tree.

Where to plant

Due to the size it reaches at maturity, it is suitable for use in open fields

Stem

The stem is woody, highly branched and with spotted bark, brown in the juvenile phase and blackish-grey in the adult phase; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Large tree with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The Erect habitus ties in harmoniously with the dense, oval, rounded foliage.

Branching

Branching Abundant with strong branches and young twigs covered with lenticels.

PH

Horse chestnut prefers soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, in the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, choose the most suitable location, in relation to the plant's needs, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Add organic matter and apply organic or chemical granular fertiliser for a background fertilisation to ensure the nutrients the plant needs in the early post-transplant phases.

Sun exposure

For suitable vegetative growth, transplant the horse chestnut tree in a position exposed to full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C. The biological temperature is between 0 .0 and 40 °C. It adapts well to cold winter climates, even withstanding icy soils.

Use

Due to its longevity and the majesty conferred by its plant architecture, it is a multifunctional tree suitable for different areas of use such as

Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping Plants for timber production

Hardiness

A plant of medium-high hardiness, it tolerates different soil conditions and is adapted to winter climates.

Soil

The horse chestnut tree adapts to different soil conditions, however, the ideal soil for better rooting is medium-textured, i.e. with a balanced texture, as well as well-drained and loosened.

Difficulty

Cultivation is easy with a medium level of management effort required.

Growing tips

In order to promote proper root and crown development and thus obtain a healthy, well-proportioned plant, it is advisable to carry out

Correct pruning

Indiscriminate pruning of stems and branches by 'trimming' not only leads to an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as to a greater danger of decay of the entire specimen.

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 2000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the plant's collar off the soil surface, and to water immediately after planting without causing water stagnation.

Pruning

In winter, it is advisable to carry out a pruning of the low branches to facilitate the formation of the stem as well as a pruning of the apex to encourage the formation of the numerous branches in the crown. Always intervene with clean cuts using clean, sharp blades.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by cuttings or grafting.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions by watering in quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons. Drip-wing irrigation is recommended.

Fertilising

Use ternary fertiliser complete with Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) during tree planting or when covering over the root zone (50 g/m2).

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Toxicity for humans

Leaf, Flower and fruit are toxic if ingested.