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Rounded deciduous hybrid tree with pink flowers
Sapindaceae
Rounded shade tree with pink flowers
Fort McNair red horse-chestnut
Aesculus × carnea ‘Fort McNair’
Fort McNair red horse-chestnut is a rounded symmetrical deciduous hybrid tree. Large cone-shaped clusters of pink flowers with yellow throats appear in spring against glossy dark-green foliage. The cultivar has some resistance to leaf blotch and reaches approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft × 30 ft). Hardy to Zone 4 in a protected position, it prefers full sun or partial shade and deep, cool, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. A few slightly prickly capsules may contain poisonous seeds. This tree suits broad lawns, parks, entrances, and spacious avenues where its crown can develop naturally. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
250 cm; 175 cm; 200 cm; 300 cm
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- Quantity
- 250 cm; 175 cm; 200 cm; 300 cm
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; strongest bloom and crown density in full sun
- Hardiness
- Zone 4
Discover the plant
Common nameFort McNair red horse-chestnut
FamilySapindaceae
GenusAesculus
Species× carnea
CultivarFort McNair
TypeRounded deciduous hybrid tree with pink flowers
Botanical nameAesculus × carnea ‘Fort McNair’
Fort McNair red horse-chestnut (Aesculus × carnea ‘Fort McNair’) is a rounded deciduous tree produced from red buckeye and common horse-chestnut. In spring, large upright cone-shaped clusters carry pink flowers with yellow throats against glossy dark-green foliage. This selection has some resistance to leaf blotch, helping the crown retain an attractive appearance. Hardy to Zone 4 in a protected site, it reaches approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft × 30 ft). A few slightly prickly capsules may contain brown poisonous seeds; no part should be eaten. Grey-brown bark becomes plated with age and adds texture to the winter outline.
Plant ‘Fort McNair’ in full sun or partial shade and deep, cool, well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic. It also tolerates alkaline conditions and moderate drought after establishment, but growth remains strongest when soil holds even moisture. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide, set the root flare level with the soil, and water slowly. Space trees approximately 9 m (30 ft) apart and leave ample distance from buildings and wires. Apply 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without touching the trunk and irrigate regularly during dry periods.
Use this horse-chestnut as a specimen or shade tree across a broad lawn, in a park, entrance, or spacious avenue. Flowers attract hummingbirds and insect pollinators, while the rounded crown provides generous shade. Prune lightly during dormancy to remove dead, crossing, or damaged wood; assign large branches to a qualified arborist. Watch for leaf miner, leaf blotch, powdery mildew, cankers, and leaf scorch. Collect fallen fruit and heavily affected leaves, irrigate at soil level, and avoid compaction. Seeds and other horse-chestnut tissues are harmful if eaten, so keep them inaccessible to children and pets. Wash hands after handling fruit and prevent animals from chewing vegetation.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space trees approximately 9 m (30 ft) apart to allow development of their rounded crowns. Keep a similar distance from buildings, overhead wires, property boundaries, and surfaces the branches cannot cross. Measure from the centre of each trunk and provide uncompacted soil volume for roots. In an avenue, preserve enough width for air circulation and future arborist access. Avoid relying on severe pruning to fit the tree into a confined position.
Best planting time
In spring after the soil thaws, or in early fall at least six weeks before persistent frost
Propagation
Grafting or budding to preserve the ‘Fort McNair’ cultivar faithfully; seed does not reproduce the selection identically
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic, neutral, or alkaline; approximately 5.5 to 8.0 when drainage is good
Minimum temperature
Approximately -34 °C (-29 °F), Zone 4
Care level
Moderate
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first season when rainfall is insufficient, then adjust frequency to weather and drainage. Soil should remain cool without becoming waterlogged. Because horse-chestnut performs poorly during prolonged drought, irrigate through hot periods before leaf margins brown. Direct water toward the root zone and avoid wetting foliage to limit leaf blotch. Check moisture beneath mulch before watering again and expand the watered area as the crown grows.
Soil type
Deep, cool, well-drained soil is ideal, preferably fertile and slightly acidic. The cultivar also tolerates neutral to alkaline conditions and loamy or clay textures when aeration remains good. Avoid stagnant water, very thin soil, and severe compaction. Even moisture supports bloom and limits leaf scorch, although an established tree tolerates moderate drought. Preserve a broad permeable root zone and avoid repeated excavation.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is generally unnecessary in deep fertile soil. In spring, spread a thin layer of mature compost over the root zone without touching the trunk. If a soil test identifies a deficiency, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to its label. Avoid excess nitrogen because it encourages tender growth, increases water demand, and may make the crown more susceptible to insects and disease. Maintain mulch and soil moisture before considering fertilizer.
Moisture
Moderate to high and even; cool soil without stagnant water
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the trunk, branch unions, and buds before growth resumes. Remove dead, broken, or crossing wood with clean cuts that preserve the branch collar. Double flowers appear in late spring; avoid unnecessary insecticide treatments during this period. In early summer, watch for the first pale or brown mines of horse-chestnut leaf miner and irregular yellow-edged blotches caused by foliar disease. Water deeply during dry periods to limit marginal leaf scorch. Through summer, inspect bark for cracks, dark ooze, or discoloured areas that may indicate canker. Never remove large limbs without professional assessment. In fall, collect and dispose of heavily affected leaves to reduce fungal spores and overwintering insects. Renew 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without covering the root flare. In winter, check for snow, ice, and rodent damage, then schedule structural work during dormancy. Keep soil uncompacted and prevent mower injuries around the trunk. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
10 to 12 m (33 to 39 ft)
Width / spread
6 m (20 feet)
Flower color
Pink with yellow throats
Foliage color
Glossy dark green; subdued yellow-brown in fall
Foliage type
Deciduous, opposite leaves composed of five to seven leaflets
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Rounded, symmetrical, and broadly branched
Fragrance
Light to barely noticeable
Bloom period
Large upright cone-shaped terminal clusters appear in spring, generally in May. Pink flowers have yellow throats that create a bright contrast against dark-green foliage. Bloom attracts hummingbirds and insect pollinators. A sunny position, cool soil, and a crown free from severe pruning encourage the strongest display. After flowering, a few capsules may develop and should be collected in frequently used areas because the brown seeds are poisonous and not edible.
Fruiting
After flowering, Fort McNair may produce a few light-brown, rounded, slightly prickly capsules containing glossy seeds. Fruiting is often lighter than on common horse-chestnut, but the seeds remain poisonous and are not edible true chestnuts. Collect capsules in areas used by children and pets. Wear gloves during prolonged handling and do not leave seeds where they could be swallowed. Flowers and foliage are ornamental; no plant part should be promoted for food.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair this large horse-chestnut with shrubs and perennials able to grow in cool soil beneath shade that increases with age. Viburnums, shrub dogwoods, hydrangeas, hostas, ferns, epimediums, hardy geraniums, and sedges can create layers around a broad mulched zone. Keep low plantings away from the root flare and avoid species requiring frequent soil cultivation because roots should not be injured. Choose companions suited to the local pH and to the light actually available beneath the mature crown. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Plants to avoid
Avoid prolonged drought, thin or compacted soil, stagnant water, trunk injuries, and severe pruning. Leaf scorch, leaf blotch, horse-chestnut leaf miner, scale insects, cankers, and honey fungus may reduce appearance or vigour. Irrigate at soil level, maintain a mulched root zone, collect heavily affected leaves, and have dark oozing areas or major dying branches inspected. Repeated road salt and reflected heat may also intensify summer stress. Do not plant where crown size will require repeated cutting. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How large does Fort McNair horse-chestnut grow?
Fort McNair generally reaches approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft by 30 ft). Its crown is rounded, symmetrical, and broadly branched, providing generous shade. Reserve it for a broad lawn, park, entrance, or spacious avenue. Keep approximately 9 m (30 ft) between trunks and adequate distance from buildings, wires, and boundaries the branches cannot cross. Repeated pruning cannot maintain this tree permanently in a small yard. Preserve a broad permeable soil surface for roots and allow qualified arborist access for future inspections and work at height. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree.
Are Fort McNair seeds edible?
No. Red horse-chestnut seeds are poisonous and must never be confused with edible chestnuts in the genus Castanea. Fort McNair may produce a few light-brown, slightly prickly capsules after flowering. Collect them in areas used by children and pets, then dispose of them so they cannot be swallowed. Leaves, bark, buds, and other horse-chestnut tissues are also considered harmful if chewed. This cultivar is strictly ornamental. Wash hands after prolonged handling and promptly contact a poison centre or veterinarian if ingestion occurs. Do not use any part in food, crafts for young children, or pet enrichment. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
What distinguishes Fort McNair red horse-chestnut?
Fort McNair is distinguished by large pink clusters with yellow throats, a rounded habit, and partial resistance to leaf blotch. At maturity, it forms a symmetrical crown approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft by 30 ft), making it easier to place than a very large common horse-chestnut. Glossy dark-green foliage provides dense summer shade. Flowers attract hummingbirds and insect pollinators, but a few capsules containing poisonous seeds may follow. Choose deep, cool, well-drained soil and irrigate during drought to limit leaf scorch and maintain vigorous bloom. Preserve crown space and avoid severe pruning that disrupts the balanced form.
How can Fort McNair foliage be kept attractive?
Fort McNair has some resistance to leaf blotch, but leaf miner, powdery mildew, scorch, or spots can still appear during a stressful summer. Keep soil cool with deep irrigation and 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch that does not touch the trunk. Water at soil level rather than over leaves, avoid compaction, and collect heavily affected foliage in fall. Do not apply pesticides automatically; identify the cause first. If branches decline or bark releases dark ooze, request an assessment from a qualified arborist. Maintain good air circulation and avoid excess nitrogen that encourages tender growth. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Does Fort McNair prefer full sun or partial shade?
Fort McNair grows in full sun or partial shade. Full sun generally encourages heavier bloom and a denser crown, while light partial shade may reduce stress on a hot site. In either exposure, choose deep, cool, well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic. The tree tolerates alkaline conditions and moderate drought after establishment, but prolonged water shortage can scorch leaf margins. Irrigate deeply during dry periods, maintain a mulched root zone, and avoid overhead wires or positions too narrow for the 9 m (30 ft) crown. Dense shade reduces flowering and can produce a more open, less balanced outline. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Pink flowers with yellow throats provide a spring resource for hummingbirds, bees, and other insect pollinators. Seeds are not intended for consumption and should be collected in frequently used spaces. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides during bloom and keep poisonous horse-chestnuts away from children and pets. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.