Horse Chestnut vs Mountain Maple - TreeTime.ca

Horse Chestnut vs Mountain Maple

Acer spicatum

Aesculus hippocastanum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

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Horse Chestnut

Used to growing in the shadows of the damp forest, White Maple (aka Mountain Maple) is a great fit for shady and wet areas, such as beneath larger trees. Unlike most of its cousins, the White Maple is a shrub instead of a tree. It's still a maple, however, with sap that can be made into Maple syrup to prove it!

In May and June, the classic shapes of Maple leaves are joined by clusters of green and yellow flowers. Soon after, red samaras (aka helicopter seeds or whirligigs) appear. This distinctive appearance makes White Maple an excellent choice for giving urban yards a unique (and patriotic) look.

Horse Chestnut is a medium sized deciduous tree that is native to Greece but has been grown in North America for hundreds of years. It produces large nuts.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

Mountain Maple Quick Facts

Horse Chestnut Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: most parts of plant are toxic
Fall colour: purple to bright red to yellow
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Bark: thin reddish or greyish
Flowers: yellow and green
Nuts: large spiky nuts
Seeds: winged samaras
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: white maple