Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Aesculus turbinata

Japanese Horse Chestnut

SapindaceaeJapan

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height50-70 feet (15-21 m)
Width35-50 feet (10.5-15 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
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 turbinata is a large, broadly columnar to rounded deciduous tree reaching 50–70 feet (15–21 m) tall and 35–50 feet (10.5–15 m) wide at maturity. Leaves are palmately compound with 5–7 leaflets, each 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) long — among the largest in the genus — coarse-textured, dark green, with finely serrated margins. Individual leaves can span 24 inches (60 cm) across. Foliage turns orange-brown in fall, typically in October in zones 6–7. Erect flower panicles 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long appear in May–June, composed of creamy white flowers with red and yellow basal markings. Fruit capsules are top-shaped (turbinate), 2–3 inches (5–8 cm), with a warty surface, containing 1–2 large, glossy brown seeds up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Growth rate is moderate at 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) annually; trees reach 30 feet (9 m) in approximately 20 years. Bark is gray-brown, developing shallow fissures and scaly plates on older trunks. Terminal buds are large and resinous, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) is less prevalent on this species than on A. hippocastanum. Leaf scorch develops during prolonged drought. All parts are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Native to Japan, found on Honshu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku islands. Grows in moist, rich deciduous mountain forests at 1,000–5,000 feet (300–1,500 m) elevation, often along streams and in valley bottoms.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade tree in parks, arboreta, and large residential properties at 35–45 foot (10.5–13.5 m) spacing. Large leaf size and coarse texture require open sites where leaf litter can be accommodated. Not suited to small gardens, narrow planting strips, or areas with restricted root space.

How to Identify

Distinguished from A. hippocastanum by larger leaflets (8–16 inches / 20–40 cm long vs. 5–10 inches / 13–25 cm), top-shaped (turbinate) fruit capsules with warty rather than spiny surfaces, and large resinous terminal buds 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long. Leaflets are among the largest in the genus. Bark is smoother and lighter gray than A. hippocastanum on young to middle-aged trees.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 70'
Width/Spread35' - 50'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
red
yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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SpringSummer
Flowers May through June in zones 5–8. Bloom timing is approximately 1–2 weeks later than A. hippocastanum in the same climate. Individual panicles last about 2 weeks. In zone 8, bloom may begin in late April.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy white with red and yellow basal markings

Foliage Description

Dark green palmately compound leaves with 5-7 large leaflets, turning orange-brown in fall

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 through the growing season and are intolerant of prolonged summer drought. Leaf margins scorch during dry periods exceeding 2–3 weeks without rain, particularly on exposed sites. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) may occur in humid climates but is typically less severe than on A. hippocastanum. Large leaves create dense shade, limiting understory growth. No regular fertilization is needed. Trees are intolerant of compacted soils and restricted root zones.

Pruning

Prune during winter dormancy (November–February) to establish a central leader and remove dead or crossing branches. Structural pruning in the first 10–15 years develops a balanced scaffold framework. Lower branches can be removed to raise the canopy for clearance beneath the tree. Mature trees require minimal pruning beyond periodic dead wood removal.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans
Aesculus turbinata (Japanese Horse Chestnut) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef