Leaf Identification
The Red Horsechestnut has medium green leaves that are palmately (fan-shaped) compound and arrange opposite each other on the stem. There are five leaflets, each of which is elliptic and denticulate (finely toothed). The leaflets more parallel with the petiole are slightly longer.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig is tan and smooth when mature. The buds are green-orange and ovate with scales. The terminal bud is present.
Bark Identification
The bark is light gray, with irregularly-shaped plates that flake and fissure.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Red Horsechestnut is a light green capsule on a pink peduncle with pinkish prickles that will mostly dissipate as the peduncle and fruit mature and turn tan. The capsule contains a single seed around 1″ in diameter. They mature in the fall
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Red Horsechestnut are showy, red-pink, and set on a panicle (branching clusters off the main inflorescence). They have five petals per each cylindrical flower. The flowers bloom in spring.
