Unique Features: The Briotti Horse Chestnut is hybrid cross between the U.S. native Red Buckeye and the European Horse chestnut.  Neither of these are edible type of chestnuts. They are toxic to humans and dogs, but the squirrels love them. It grows moderately, forming a broad upright rounded shape. The palmate leaves have 5 to 7 leaflets arranged in a radial pattern. They emerge a light green but darken as the season progresses. The upright clusters of flowers are red to deep pink, with a little yellow in the mix. They bloom in mid spring and are followed by clusters of husked chestnuts. This tree casts deep shade so it will difficult to grow grass beneath. You can extend the mulch area and let the husks left behind by the squirrels become part of the mulch. This arrangement will also benefit the tree.