This is Aesculus x carnea 'Fort McNair' a hybrid cross between Aesculus pavia and Aesculus hippocastanum from the Sapindaceae family. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded habit and compound palmate leaves. The leaves consist of 5-7 oblong leaflets that are dark green and turn yellow in autumn as the tree falls into dormancy for the winter. The large spikes of pink flowers with throats that vary in colour due to the age of the flower from pink, orange or yellow. These flowers attract many beneficial organisms in the spring such as birds, bees and butterflies. Unlike the parent plants this plant will not come true to seed and the fruit is not spiky but smooth.

The seeds contain aesculin which is toxic to many animals including humans because it causes hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) which is rather concerning as plenty of families play conkers as a pastime! I know I did! Some animals such as squirrels are resistant to aesculin so don't worry if you see animals eating them, it won't necessarily harm them depending if they are resistant or not. The seeds and foliage are also being used for medicinal purposes. Height; 12m; Spread: 12m; Fully hardy; pH: 6.1-7.5; Prefers full sun to partial shade in well drained but moist soil.