About

Aesculus assamica is a medium-sized deciduous tree characterized by its large, glossy palmate leaves that emerge bronze before maturing to green and transitioning to orange-yellow in the fall. The flowers are creamy white with a yellow throat that deepens to maroon as they age. After flowering, the tree produces conkers encased in a smooth, thornless shell.

About the genus

Aesculus consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring prominent flowers and leaves that are lobed in a palmate arrangement. In some cases, they also exhibit appealing colors in the fall.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural
Native to
China to Vietnam
Toxicity
Humans/Pets (dogs): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; only suitable for large gardens. For further information, see our advice on tree cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to horse chestnut scale and leaf-mining moth
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to coral spot, canker, leaf spot and honey fungus