The Trees at Keele
Red Horse-chestnut Aesculus x carnea
Origin: This is a fertile hybrid between the Horse Chestnut A. hippocastanum and the Red Buck-eye A. pavia. It is commonly planted in parks and garden.
Mitchell doesn't have a good word to say about it and describes it as "inherently dull". Indeed, compared to the familiar Horse Chestnut it is a poor tree. It does not form as shapely a tree and the leaves are smaller and darker. The flower spikes are not as big and the fruit is smooth, rather than spiny.
Location : We have several trees; one to the side of the Library (illustrated), square M9; tag 3503.