Briotii Red Horsechestnut

The Briotii Red Horsechestnut (Aesculus x carnea ‘Briotii) is a medium-sized ornamental, flowering tree. With a dense, rounded form, it flourishes in mid-spring with a brilliant display of bright red, upright flowers in 8-10 inch clusters. These flowers appear against a dark green display of compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets, almost giving the impression of a polka dotted tree.  \n \nThe Briotii Red Horsechestnut is a cultivar of a European Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) hybrid. The cultivar was named in 1858 after Pierre Louis Briot, a nurseryman of Trianon-Versailles near Paris, France. Compared to its parent species, this cultivar has brighter and bigger flowers. It is a great choice as a yard tree due to its brilliant colors but not as well suited for planting near streets and roads due to the branch and nut litter it gives off. It does well in partial to full sun and can tolerate a number of conditions but prefers a little moisture in its soil  (leaves may scorch in very dry environments).