Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut)

Botanical Information

FamilyFagaceae
GenusCastanea
Speciessativa
SynonymsCastanea vesca, Castanea vulgaris
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginSouthern Europe, North Africa to southwest Asia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The fruit is an edible nut common in European and North American stores at Christmas.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 - 15
Temperature (°F)-20 - 20
Height30 m
Spread15 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJuly

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright, branches and spreading.
PropagationSeed and grafting.
CultivationPrefers full sun. Plant in well-drained soil. Prefers loam and sand.
PestsMost of the largest specimens have been eradicated in North America by Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) leaving small trees sprouting from old stumps: the disease is now found in Europe and England.
Notable SpecimensPort Dover Cemetery, Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. Lanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is grooved.
Leaf DescriptionSerrate, oblong-lanceolate leaves that are 20 cm long.
Flower DescriptionConspicuous catkins. The male catkins are 15 cm long.
Fruit DescriptionSpiny fruit that contains nuts.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are green, catkins yellow while the bark is brown.
Texture DescriptionThe bark is rugged. The leaves are glossy.

Photographs