Horse Chestnut Buckeye

Aesculus × arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’ is a deciduous buckeye selected for its glossy foliage, spring flower clusters and vivid autumn color. This University of Minnesota introduction makes a medium-sized shade tree for a yard or park with enough room for its rounded crown. ## Seasonal character The dark green palmate leaves are often retained well into the growing season, then turn striking colors in fall. Reports describe the autumn color as rich, tomato-orange, deep red or maroon, so the exact shade can vary by site and season. In mid-spring, upright clusters of yellow-white flowers with orange-red markings appear above the foliage. ## Siting and growth Plant in full sun in moist soil for best flowering, with partial shade also suitable. Published dimensions vary: Dawes Arboretum describes a tree around 30 feet tall and nearly as wide, while Spring Grove Nursery lists 35 feet tall by 25 feet wide. The cultivar was developed by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and is noted for foliage that holds well and resists scorch. ## Maintenance Allow space for a mature rounded canopy and keep the root zone evenly moist while the tree establishes. Inspect foliage during summer for scorch and remove damaged or fallen leaves as needed. Horse chestnut seeds are not edible; keep them away from children and pets. See [Dawes Arboretum](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon.aspx?t=19818), the [University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum](https://arb.umn.edu/blog/2020/07/17/lucky-buckeyes) and [Spring Grove Nursery](https://springgrovenursery.com/product/aesculus-x-arnoldiana-autumn-splendor/) for cultivar details.