The Aesculus tree, commonly known as the horse chestnut, is a remarkable species admired for its elegant form, beautiful blossoms, and unique fruit shapes. It stands out as a rare combination of ornamental foliage, flowers, and fruits, making it one of the world’s most popular decorative trees. In China, it holds deep cultural significance, especially in Buddhist traditions, which is why many ancient temples, such as Hangzhou's Lingyin Temple, Beijing's Reclining Buddha Temple, and Dajue Temple, have been home to thousands of these trees for centuries.
Aesculus chinensis, also called sassafras or tianshi li, is a tall deciduous tree with a straight trunk, an open canopy, and a broad, spherical crown. Its leaves are palmate and opposite, typically consisting of 5 to 7 leaflets that are oblong or obovate in shape, with a pointed tip and a conical base. The small white flowers appear in dense, upright panicles and bloom from April to May. The fruits are round, oval, or gourd-shaped, appearing from September to October. The bark is grayish-brown and exfoliates over time.
This tree prefers warm, partially shaded, and moist environments. It can tolerate heat and dry conditions but is sensitive to extreme cold and excessive moisture. It requires well-drained, deep, and fertile soil. Too much sunlight or overly dry soil can hinder its growth. Seedlings grow slowly, but after three years, they begin to develop more rapidly.
Due to the difficulty in propagating Aesculus from seeds, it is not widely cultivated. Aesculus esculenta is typically sown in October, and the seeds must be planted immediately after harvesting, as dried seeds lose their viability. The seedlings have weak emergence power, so the seed should be placed with the hilum facing down and not buried too deeply. Germination usually takes 25 to 30 days, and the seedlings need protection from cold. It takes about five to six years for them to mature enough for use in landscaping or greening projects. Cuttings can also be used for propagation, but rooting is difficult and survival rates are low. During the early stages, shade and frost protection are essential.
When transplanting, ensure the planting hole is deep enough and apply basal fertilizer. Protect young plants from sunburn. Pruning is generally unnecessary unless required. Water regularly during dry periods. After the tree loses its leaves in winter, applying fertilizer helps promote lush foliage and abundant blooms.
Common pests include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. These can be controlled with a 70% thiophanate-methyl solution diluted to 1000 times. Insect pests like scale insects, caterpillars, and chafers can be treated with 50% phoxim EC at a 1000-fold dilution.
The Aesculus tree has a straight trunk and provides ample shade, making it a striking sight in early summer when it is in full bloom. Its large white inflorescences resemble grand candlesticks, adding a dramatic touch to any landscape. It is an excellent choice for roadside planting, parks, and public squares. It can be planted alone, in groups, or mixed with other trees. In Europe, North America, and Japan, it is widely cultivated as a street tree and ornamental plant. In North America, varieties with pink or saffron-colored flowers are often planted along roadsides, creating a stunning floral display during blooming season.
In China, Aesculus is commonly planted in front of buildings or between sparse forests. Although there are many species within the Aesculaceae family, most remain underutilized. Other members of the same family include Tianshi Li, European Horse Chestnut, and Japanese Aesculus. The European variety features white flowers with red and yellow spots and round fruits, mainly cultivated in the Balkans. The Japanese variety has white flowers with red markings and pear-shaped fruits, found in cities like Shanghai and Qingdao.
Aesculus has multiple uses. Its leaves and buds can be used to make tea, while the bark and roots can produce soap. Leaves and flowers serve as natural dyes. The seeds can be processed into starch and oil, and when cooked, they taste similar to chestnuts. They also have medicinal properties, including calming nerves, improving circulation, and acting as an insecticide. Its lightweight wood is suitable for papermaking, carving, and crafting furniture.
Due to the limited number of Aesculus esculenta species and the scarcity of seedlings in China, there is currently no large-scale availability on the market. This creates a promising opportunity for the cultivation and commercialization of Aesculus seedlings in the Chinese market.
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