Red Horse Chestnut, Aesculus carnea ‘Fort McNair’

This Red Horse Chestnut is a tree that would not necessarily have occurred in nature, but this gorgeous cultivar brings together the best of both of it’s parents, the Buckeye, and the Horse Chestnut.

Buckeye and Horse Chestnut trees are in the same family, and they both share a similar leaf pattern and flower type, but with the cross from the Buckeye Asculus pavia, and the Horse Chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, a bright 5-8 inch pink or red flower is produced with trademark yellow throats.  I particularly like this flowering variety because the flowers have such a tropical look to them, and because the ‘Fort McNair’ variety was created nearby in DC!

Where Does It Work?

The ‘Fort McNair’ is a tree that will grow in an upright rounded habit up to 30-40 feet tall.  It functions as a moderate shade tree, and has a slow growth pattern, so It can be placed near a house without fear of it causing lots of problems.  It prefers good soil, and while it can work well in full sun, I have discovered that it stresses easily in bright light if the soil is too rocky and dry, shedding most of it’s summer leaves.  The ‘Fort McNair’ is a superior cultivar to many of it’s cousins because of it’s high resistance to leaf diseases.

Plant this tree is zones 4-7.

When Will It Bloom?

The Red Horse Chestnut is a late spring bloomer, and often produces it’s spikes of blooms in the month of May.  The flowers last for several weeks, and are a favorite snack of Hummingbirds, who appreciate the deep throated blossoms and nectar.

My Thoughts:

This tree is a new favorite of mine, and while it does produce leaf and fruit litter (fall nuts), the spring flowers more than make up for the nuisance. Check back soon for more ideas about how to creatively use the nuts in fall displays!