If you've got a large space to fill, you might want to consider planting a horse chestnut tree, otherwise known as Aesculus hippocastanum. This deciduous beauty can grow up to 100 feet tall, boasts gorgeous bunches of flowers and a graceful growing habit that exudes old-world charm. Gazing at this magnificent specimen when it's in full bloom--from May to June--is truly inspiring. There is a fantastic horse chestnut at The New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, New York. I urge everyone to make a trip to this wondrous place and see this--and many other lovely plants--for yourself.
Often referred to as a Buckeye, this tree can live up to 300 years! Talk about planting for posterity! Other fun facts:
--The nuts on the horse chestnut form inside a round, prickly pod which resembles a porcupine. Historically, European children gather the pods each autumn to use in a game called Conkers, which entails cracking open the pod, and placing each oversized seed on a string. Taking turns, each participant tries to crack his or her seed open by smashing it against a hard surface.
--The first beer-meisters in Germany stored their product underground and used horse chestnut trees to provide cooling shade from up above. The trees were ideal for this purpose--especially during summertime--as their canopy is large yet the tree roots are shallow, which didn't inhibit the tunnels.
--Horse chestnut is used as an herbal medicine in some cultures, mostly to treat circulation problems, fever and enlarged prostate. It is usually administered as an extract from the processed nuts and leaves; however, the medical community in the United States advises caution because of the toxicity factor. As always, I don't recommend using homeopathic concoctions without the supervision of a medical doctor.
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