Trees

Aesculus × carnea 'Fort McNair'

Fort McNair red horse chestnut

Fort McNair red horse chestnut flowers. Photo: SB Johnny / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

A rounded shade tree with bold, hand-shaped leaves and upright clusters of pink flowers with yellow throats in spring. Its dark green crown turns yellow in autumn, giving the tree a second season of color. Allow room for its broad canopy and keep fallen horse chestnuts away from children and pets.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: About 35 ft at maturity · Width: About 25 ft
Water: Moist, not soggy soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–9
Bloom: Pink with yellow throats in spring

Sizes & prices

#10Ft McNair Buckeye$239.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Shade tree; ornamental specimen
Form: Dense, rounded crown
Growth rate: Slow
Fruit / litter: Seed capsules and fallen leaves; site away from paving
Major issues: Leaf blotch, powdery mildew and drought scorch; seed capsules create litter and are poisonous if eaten.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Usually less attractive to browsing deer; not deer-proof.
Drought: Poor long-term drought performance; dry conditions can scorch leaves.
Wet soil: Good drainage is required; avoid waterlogged sites.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Hummingbirds

Keep in mind: Horse chestnuts are toxic if eaten; they are not edible chestnuts.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Dark green, turning golden yellow in fall

Growing & care

Soil: Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil; acidic soil preferred.
Pruning: Little shaping is needed. Avoid heavy canopy thinning that suddenly exposes the thin bark to sun.

Sources & photo credits

Monrovia

www.shadetrees.com

NC State Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Photo: SB Johnny · CC BY-SA 3.0

Image notes: Fort McNair red horse chestnut flowers. Photo: SB Johnny / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia 960 px thumbnail; no other edits.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.