Castanea sativa

The Sweet Chestnut stands as a majestic large tree, perfectly suited for parklands or down avenues. As it matures, its robust trunk twists, revealing deep fissures that wind their way back into the bark. Its expansive, shaggy canopy can stretch up to 25m when provided ample space. Known for its robust root system, it develops a comprehensive network of deep, tapering roots. A long lived tree, with the oldest being 700 years.

In summer, the tree blooms with both male and female flowers. The male blossoms boast a creamy white hue that contrasts beautifully with the trees glossy green foliage. These elongated leaves, measuring about 25cm, shine with a rich, glossy green texture and feature serrated edges. By autumn, they transform into captivating shades of buttery yellow and golden bronze before gracefully falling.

As the season progresses, the female catkins mature, eventually yielding edible sweet chestnuts, enclosed in vibrant, spiky green casings.

When propagated from seed, a Castanea tree may require up to 20 years to produce its edible chestnuts. However, grafted varieties can significantly expedite this process, often bearing fruits as in as little as three years post-planting. The term ‘sativa’ in its Latin name means cultivated by humans.

Whether standing alone as a remarkable specimen, or adorning an avenue with its lush, green vitality, the Sweet Chestnut proves an excellent alternative to the Horse Chestnut, especially as concerns over leaf miner, leaf blotch and bleeding canker become more prevalent.