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First leaf

Record first leaf when the leaf is fully open and recognisably the shape, if not the full size of the adult leaf.  The leaf must be erect but the leaflets don’t yet need to be.

If you have recorded horse chestnut events before, please continue to record on the same tree.

Expected date range: mid March to late April

Available historic data: we have individual records from 1758-1810, and from 1819-1932. We have good records from 1933-1999. 

Just right

  • Horse chestnut with first leaf
    (Kylie Harrison Mellor/WTML)

Too early

  • Horse chestnut with first leaf that is too early
    (Kylie Harrison Mellor/WTML)

Too late

  • Horse chestnut with first leaf that is too late
    (Judith Garforth/WTML)