Horse Chestnut

The horse chestnut is a large deciduous tree renowned for its majestic stature, showy spring panicles of white flowers, and distinct palmately compound leaves. Native to a small region in the Balkans, it has been widely planted across temperate zones for ornamental and shade purposes in parks and large gardens. In autumn, it produces glossy brown seeds known as conkers, enclosed in spiny husks. While highly valued for its striking landscape appearance and traditional extract uses, all parts of the plant contain toxic saponins that make them harmful if ingested raw by humans and animals.