Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Low

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Low

Castanea sativa ‘Aureomarginata’, commonly known as sweet chestnut variagata, is a striking cultivar of the Castanea sativa species. Castanea grown from seed can take 20 years before it bears edible chestnuts, however, grafted cultivars will reduce this, meaning sweet chestnuts will show on branches as little as three years after planting.

This deciduous tree is renowned for its captivating foliage. Its leaves exhibit a fantastic pale-yellow edge along the margin and melt in shades of butter yellow and golden bronze in autumn. During the spring and summer months, clusters of creamy white flowers bloom, creating a lovely spectacle and attracting pollinators like bees. These give way to the famous sweet chestnuts that will show in light green jackets adorned with white spikes. In favourable locations the chestnut husks can become completely albino. These edible chestnuts are a cherished culinary ingredient and have been enjoyed for centuries in various dishes and desserts.

It’s exceptional beauty and unique foliage make it a fantastic addition to any landscape design. A great alternative to Horse Chestnut with increases of leaf miner, leaf blotch and bleeding canker ever more present.

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Size

Medium/Large

10m high x 5m wide after 25 years

Environment

Ideal for parklands or avenues.

Canopy

A shaggy canopy which can grow up to 25m if space allows.

Foliage

Typical of the species, but with variegated leaves that are glossy green and pale yellow along the edges.

Flowers

Conspicuous yellow catkins.

Fruit

Similar to the species, the tree will develop chestnuts, but feature unique white spikes that stand out against their light green husks. Occasionally, these spikes can appear albino. Over time, they will yield edible chestnuts.

Resilience

Not suited for alkaline conditions, but it flourishes in diverse, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade for its best growth. Once established, it can endure periods of drought.

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