Aesculus

Aesculus is a genus of trees and shrubs found in temperate regions. These plants are characterized by palmately divided leaves, showy flowers, and large, shiny seeds. They are commonly known as buckeyes or horse chestnuts.1

The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), native to southeastern Europe, is widely cultivated as a shade and street tree. Its nuts, enclosed in prickly husks, were historically fed to horses to treat respiratory issues. Other species include the Japanese horse chestnut (A. turbinata) and the Indian horse chestnut (A. indica). A hybrid, the red horse chestnut (A. × carnea), is known for its scarlet flower spikes. The wood from Aesculus species is light and soft, historically used for artificial limbs and now primarily for paper pulp. The leaves and seeds of these trees are poisonous.23