# Horse-Chestnut

## Aesculus hippocasanum L.

NATURE | deciduous tree
LEAF | composed: heart-shaped
| Leaf edge: double saw-toothed
Leaf shape: inversely egg-shaped to spade-shaped
Nervation: feather-veined
FRUIT | capsule (chestnut is a seed(!))
INFLORESCENCE | panicle

Medical value: Prevents cramps. The bark is used as an astringent and in powdered form it is used to treat a cold. A concoction of the flowers treats headache and rheumatism. As a poultice it can cure rashes and wounds. Horse chestnut is often used in the cosmetic industry.
Use: Although the wood is easy to work, it is not often used but for carpentry. The horse chestnut is commonly implanted as ornamental tree.

Legend:

Bloom. All months in which we can find blooming specimens. Regional differences may occur.
Harvest Time. All months in which we can find ripe fruits on trees. Unripe fruit can be found earlier on trees and shrubs. Sometimes even throughout the year, as happens with trees such as pines, this fruit ripens over several years.
Both flowers and ripe fruit may occur at the same time in some months.