Aesculus indica aka Indian Horse Chestnut

Aesculus indica, the Indian horse chestnut, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. Its native range runs from eastern Afghanistan to Assam. This includes parts of Pakistan, northern India, and Nepal. It grows in wet temperate forests and shaded ravines. These habitats reach about 9,840 feet [3,000 metres] above sea level.

This large tree forms a broad, spreading crown. Garden trees exceed 39 feet [12 metres] in height. Their spread can exceed 26 feet [8 metres]. They may take more than 50 years to mature. The RHS recommends it only for large gardens. Its large, glossy leaves have several oblong leaflets. New leaves open bronze before they turn green. The tree sheds its leaves for winter.

White flowers open in midsummer, with yellow spots and pink tints. The fruits have no spines. The seeds measure about 1.4 inches [35 millimetres] across. Its broad crown suits large informal gardens and woodland canopies. The RHS also lists it for wildlife gardens. Its size gives it a strong role in landscape design. Growers can raise plants from seed or use grafting.

Grow this tree in full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Give it soil that drains well but retains some moisture. It can grow in exposed or sheltered sites. The RHS rates its cold hardiness as H5. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Horse chestnut scale and leaf-mining moth may attack it. Possible diseases include coral spot, canker, leaf spot, and honey fungus.

The seeds contain toxic saponins and are unsafe without careful processing. The RHS warns that eating this plant can harm people and dogs. Historical food uses include cooked seeds, gruel, and flour blends. These uses require processing to remove the toxic compounds. They do not make raw seeds safe to eat. Reported folk remedies use seed oil, bark juice, and seed cake. Such records do not establish safe or effective treatments. Seed saponins also serve as a soap substitute. The soft wood has been used for building, containers, and utensils.