This large tree is wonderful in parks and planted in avenues. Of rounded habit it produces dark pink almost red flowers in May and dates back to the late 1850s.

Given the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 this stately tree is a great favourite in the UK.

The fruits are smaller and less spiny if present at all than those of the Horse Chestnut.

Although they thrive in all soils and tolerate air pollution they are most impressive in early spring when the stocky strong growth bursts into life seemingly on the first warm day in April. Having said this trees that emerge early in the spring are often on the wane by September so don’t expect a glorious autumn display.

Mature height: 17-22m

Mature spread: 9-15m