horsechestnut Hippocastanaceae Aesculus hippocastanum

Leaf:Opposite, palmately compound leaf with usually 7, obovate, serrate leaflets (4 to 6 inches long), dark green above and paler below, petioles as long as leaflets.
Flower:Creamy white in a large showy upright cluster, 5 to 8 inches long, appear in spring.
Fruit:Nearly round with thick, leathery very spiny husks enclosing 1 to 3 smooth, chestnut brown seeds.
Twig:Stout, with a large shield-shaped leaf scar; terminal buds are large (1/2 to 1 inch); shiny, sticky and reddish brown, lateral buds are much smaller.
Bark:Light to dark brownish gray, developing irregular scaly, rough ridges.
Form:Upright, 40 to 60 feet tall with a round or oblong crown, 1 to 2 feet in diameter.

Notes: