Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut

Fort McNair red horsechestnut (Aesculus × carnea ‘Fort McNair’) is a deciduous shade tree with a rounded crown, dark green palmate leaves, and upright spring panicles of pink flowers with yellow throats. This named cultivar was selected at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and is noted for improved resistance to leaf blotch. ## Landscape Use Use it as a specimen shade tree where there is room for a broad crown and seasonal seedpod litter. [J. Frank Schmidt & Son](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/trees/fort-mcnair-horsechestnut/) lists the cultivar at about 32 feet tall by 30 feet wide and describes its pink spring flowers and improved leaf-blotch resistance. [Red Butte Garden](https://redbuttegarden.org/plants/species/550/) gives a 40-foot height and 30-foot spread, with full sun to part shade and average water. These site-dependent estimates are consistent with the existing mature-size ranges. ## Growing Conditions The broader hybrid, red horsechestnut, grows best in moist, fertile soil with good drainage; the [NC State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aesculus-x-carnea/common-name/red-horsechestnut/) notes that seed pods can be messy and that established plants develop a large taproot, so choose a permanent planting site. Its guidance describes the species hybrid rather than a unique Fort McNair water or soil requirement. ## Maintenance Allow the crown to develop naturally; pruning is generally minimal, and any needed work should preserve the tree’s structure. Remove fallen seed capsules near paths or patios if they become a nuisance.