Castanea Sativa (Sweet Chestnut)

Species	:	Castanea Sativa
Common Name(s)	:	Sweet Chestnut
Tree Features	:	Edible Nuts,Good for Bees
Genus	:	Castanea
Growth Rate	:	Fast Growing
Seasons of Interest	:	Summer Interest,Autumn Interest
Shape	:	Oval
Mature Size	:	Large (over 20m)
Soil Type	:	Dry Soil
Tree Type	:	Deciduous Broad Leaf
Tree uses	:	Light Sandy Sites,Avenue Trees,Parkland Trees

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire - or bought piping hot from a street vendor - so evocative of Christmas long ago!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire – or bought piping hot from a street vendor – so evocative of Christmas long ago!

Believed to have been introduced by the Romans, this tree is native of Southern Europe and North Africa but has long been naturalised in the UK.

It won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002.

Its spiralling rough bark at maturity is lovely.

A versatile and beautiful, fast growing, large tree, which is particularly attractive in early summer when laden with its male and female catkins.

Its long, glossy leaves turn gold and bronze before falling in the autumn.

The timber is highly prized around the Mediterranean and in Provence much furniture is made from chestnut wood.

A splendid tree for grouping and quite outstanding planted as an avenue.

It does best on reasonably dry, light soils, and is moderately lime tolerant.

Mature height: 20m+

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