Leaves of the Horse Chestnut Tree

Arrangement of Leaves

• The leaves of the horse chestnut are found in the "opposite" arrangement. That is, on any given twig of the tree, the leaves are located directly across from one another.

Division of Leaves

• Horse chestnut leaves are compound. This means that the leaf blade is subdivided into smaller parts known as leaflets. In the common horse chestnut, each leaf is composed of 5 to 7 leaflets.

Palmate

• In palmate leaves all of the leaflets on a leaf emerge from a single point on the leaf. In a pinnate arrangement, the leaflets are arranged on each side of a common stalk. The leaves of the common horse chestnut are palmate. It is the only commonly planted tree in the United States that has palmately configured leaflets.

Commercial Use

• A compound known as esculin can be extracted from the leaves and bark of the horse chestnut. This compound has both medicinal and cosmetic uses. It functions as a skin protectant, and is found in products such as sunscreen, toothpaste and facial masks. Also, according to Medline Plus, the extract of horse chestnut leaves and seeds may be effective for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen veins.