Sweet Chestnut

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, or bought piping hot from a street vendor—Castanea sativa is so evocative of Christmas long ago!

Also known as Sweet Chestnut, Castanea sativa is a large, majestic tree which won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002. The Sweet Chestnut tree has long, glossy leaves which are well ridged and bright green. In summer the tree becomes laden with male and female catkins which are creamy and contrast remarkably with the bright, glossy green leaves.

In autumn, the leaves turn golden brown before falling, accompanied by the spiky cream husks that contain the sweet chestnuts nuts; get to them before the squirrels do!

This large chestnut tree has spiralling, rough bark at maturity which is grey brown and fascinating, with the tree taking on a statuesque appearance and a broadly oval crown at maturity.

Castanea sativa does best on reasonably dry, light soils and is moderately tolerant of lime.

This stunning specimen tree can be planted singularly and also makes a superb candidate for avenue planting.

With the decreasing health of Horse Chestnut in the UK, Castanea sativa may be a good second choice for avenue planting in stately homes.

Mature height: 20m+

Common names

Sweet Chestnut

Height of tree

20m+

Soil type

Well drained, Chalk/Alkaline

Shape

Broad

Foliage Colour

Green

Fruit and Nut

Nut

Information Flags

Good for bees, Award

Looks good in

Summer

Location

Parkland, Avenue

Genus

Castanea