Horsechestnut, Fort McNair

Aesculus x carnea 'Fort McNair'

Height: 25-30ft
Spread: 25-30ft
Zone: 5-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time/Color: May; pink/red
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
Uses: Specimen, shade tree, street tree
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Round
Other: Disease resistance

Horsechestnuts, or buckeyes, are very popular trees because of their use as flowering shade/ornamental trees. Long, showy spires of pinkish-red blooms appear in mid spring and bloom at the edge of the canopy against palm-shaped, bright green leaves. By autumn, 'Fort McNair' horsechestnut will turn a yellowish brown before shedding leaves and put on some insignificant yellowish-brown, knotty, globular fruits. Horsechestnuts do best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It is also noted for its mild resistance to leaf blotch and better tolerance of diseases and pests.