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Nature Example
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Horse Chestnut

A large tree famous for its 'conkers' and large, hand-shaped leaves.

Horse Chestnut Tree
Horse Chestnut Tree
Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Click here for the license
Horse Chestnut Fruit
Horse Chestnut Fruit
Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Click here for the license
Cracked Horse Chestnut fruit with chestnut ('conker')
Cracked Horse Chestnut fruit with chestnut ('conker')
Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Click here for the license
Illustration of Horse Chestnut Tree features
Illustration of Horse Chestnut Tree features
Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Click here for the license
Strung conker
Strung conker
Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Click here for the license

How to identify:

Look for its large leaves which are made up of 5-7 smaller leaflets arranged like fingers on a hand. In autumn, look for the spiky green cases containing shiny brown conkers.

💡 Fun Facts

  • The 'conker' is the seed of the horse chestnut tree.
  • In spring, the tree has large, sticky buds that open up to reveal the new leaves and flowers.
  • It gets its name from the horseshoe-shaped mark (complete with 'nail' holes) that is left on the twig when a leaf falls off.