Horse chestnut tree

[mass_burner]

Anyone have one? Good eating? Thinking of planting this one I found in the garden..

 

[DougA]

I've got one 5' tall. I'd plant that really fast or it will die.

 

[mass_burner]

I've got one 5' tall. I'd plant that really fast or it will die.

Just planted in a large Terra cotta planter until I can decide where to put it. Dies it produce nuts yet?

 

[begreen]

Horse chestnut contains significant amounts of a poison called esculin and can cause death if eaten raw.

(broken link removed to http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1055-horse%20chestnut.aspx?activeingredientid=1055&activeingredientname=horse%20chestnut)

 

[DougA]

Dies it produce nuts yet?

Not expecting nuts for many years. I planted many nuts trees on our property to attract more wildlife. We get bushels of walnuts from trees planted 20 to 30 yrs. ago but they are for the wildlife too.

 

[blades]

should get some nuts in less than 5 years - least that's how mine worked out

 

[mass_burner]

should get some nuts in less than 5 years - least that's how mine worked out

Do you process them for eating?

 

[blades]

no as i get beaten to them by the local four footed inhabitants

 

[Pellet_Pete]

Horse chestnut contains significant amounts of a poison called esculin and can cause death if eaten raw.
(broken link removed to http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1055-horse%20chestnut.aspx?activeingredientid=1055&activeingredientname=horse%20chestnut)

Just reiterating this point, since it's an important one! Definitely not edible! Aside from being susceptible to anthracnose (a leaf & stem fungal disease) that makes them look like crap come late summer, at least here in the Northeast, they're not a bad landscape tree. Interesting texture & large clusters of flowers. Can't hurt to cultivate it - if you change your mind, you can turn it into firewood. That's what I've done with a "volunteer" black walnut that the squirrels planted for me.