Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Aesculus chinensis var. wilsonii wilsonii

Wilson's Chinese Horse Chestnut

SapindaceaeCentral and western China

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height40-65 feet (12-20 m)
Width30-45 feet (9-14 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 8
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Aesculus chinensis var. wilsonii is an upright to broadly rounded deciduous tree reaching 40–65 feet (12–20 m) tall and 30–45 feet (9–14 m) wide. This variety differs from the species type by its narrower leaflets, slightly larger mature size, and more southerly native range. Leaves are palmately compound with 5–7 leaflets, each 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) long, narrower and more tapered than those of A. chinensis var. chinensis. Foliage is dark green through summer, turning yellow to orange in fall. Flower panicles are erect, cylindrical, 8–14 inches (20–36 cm) long, appearing in June–July. Individual flowers are white with pink or red markings at the base. Fruit capsules are round, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm), with a slightly roughened surface, splitting to release 1–2 brown seeds. Growth rate is moderate at 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) annually. Bark is gray-brown, becoming fissured and scaly on older trunks. Named for plant collector Ernest Henry Wilson, who introduced this variety to Western cultivation in the early 20th century. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) may occur in humid climates but is generally less severe than on A. hippocastanum. All parts are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Native to central and western China, found in mountain forests and valleys at 3,000–8,000 feet (900–2,400 m) elevation in provinces including Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan. Occurs at higher elevations and in more southerly latitudes than A. chinensis var. chinensis.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade tree in parks, arboreta, and large residential properties at 30–40 foot (9–12 m) spacing. Canopy size suits open sites with room for mature spread. Not suited to confined urban planting strips, compacted soils, or sites where summer drought is common.

How to Identify

Distinguished from A. chinensis var. chinensis by narrower, more tapered leaflets and slightly larger flower panicles 8–14 inches (20–36 cm) long. Leaflets 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) long with more finely serrated margins. Compared to A. hippocastanum, this variety has later bloom (June–July), fewer leaflet spines on fruit capsules, and a slightly more open canopy structure.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 65'
Width/Spread30' - 45'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Summer
Flowers June through July in zones 6–8. Bloom timing is similar to A. chinensis var. chinensis, approximately 3–4 weeks later than A. hippocastanum. Individual panicles last 2–3 weeks; total bloom period extends about 3 weeks. In warm zone 8 locations, bloom may begin in late May.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White with pink or red markings

Foliage Description

Dark green palmately compound leaves with 5-7 narrower leaflets than the species type

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply every 1–2 weeks during the first 3 growing seasons. Established trees require consistent moisture and do not tolerate extended drought exceeding 3–4 weeks. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) can develop in humid climates, causing brown blotches on foliage from midsummer; cosmetic only. Trees grow in a range of soil types but decline in compacted or waterlogged soils. No regular fertilization is required for established specimens. Frost damage to new growth may occur below 0°F (−18°C) in zone 6.

Pruning

Prune during winter dormancy (November–February) to develop a strong central leader and remove crossing or dead branches. Structural pruning in the first 10–15 years establishes a balanced scaffold framework. Mature trees require only periodic removal of dead wood and water sprouts. No regular maintenance pruning is needed beyond the establishment period.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans
Aesculus chinensis var. wilsonii (Wilson's Chinese Horse Chestnut) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef