Aesculus hippocastanum Umbraculifera

Aesculus hippocastanum 'Umbraculifera' is a small Horse Chestnut tree that naturally forms a dense and rounded crown. This tree is usually grafted onto a 2.20m to 2.40m trunk, giving it a characteristic ball-shape. When grown on its own roots, it forms a large, harmonious, and densely rounded bush. Its foliage, flowering, and fruits are very similar to those of the common Horse Chestnut. This small tree is perfect for shading a terrace or in a French-style garden.

Aesculus hippocastanum belongs to the Sapindaceae or Hippocastanaceae family, depending on the classification. This tree with the common name of Horse Chestnut, is native to Macedonia, a region that includes northern Greece, Albania, and southern Bulgaria. It is a forest species. The common Horse Chestnut can reach a height of 25m and a spread of 15 to 20m, with its growth rate varying depending on the soil and climate.

The 'Umbraculifera' Horse Chestnut has been in cultivation since 1884, but its origin is unknown. Its silhouette will be different depending on whether the tree is grafted or not. The crown reaches approximately 3m in all directions. The rootstock is a Horse Chestnut. The trunk is covered with a brown to reddish bark, initially smooth, becoming grey and fissured with age. The crown is very dense. The deciduous foliage appears in spring and falls in autumn. In winter, large reddish buds covered with a shiny resin can be seen on the branches. The large leaves can reach 20cm in length and are divided into 5 to 7 toothed leaflets. They are attached to the branch by a long petiole. Flowering occurs in May-June, on branches that are already leafy. It takes the form of upright, pyramidal clusters called thyrses, about 15cm long, slightly shorter than those of the common Horse Chestnut. Each thyrsus is composed of numerous small, 1cm wide, white flowers with a small basal spot that changes from yellow to red. After pollination by insects, the characteristic, round and bristly fruits form. Each fruit can measure up to 4cm in diameter and contains only one large seed. Its root system is deep and powerful.

Aesculus hippocastanum 'Umbraculifera' tolerates any deep soil that remains slightly moist, even if it is chalky. It can be planted as a specimen tree in a clear location, on a lawn, or as a shade tree near a terrace. It can also be planted in rows along a wide avenue or straight path to create perspective. It can be planted in all regions, but it will grow faster if it benefits from a slightly humid climate.