Sweet Chestnut
Castanea sativa
Also known as
Spanish Chestnut, Common Chestnut, Eurasian Chestnut, Sardian Nut, European Chestnut, Chestnut
Edelkastanie (Castanea sativa) 3 by contribs (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
35m | Max | 15m |
5m | Min | 5m |
50 years to reach maturity
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Wild-harvested and grown commercially across Europe. The traditional method of harvest is to allow the nuts to fall to the ground. It splits open at maturity, usually when they drop to the ground. Step on the capsules to split open. Interception of chestnuts in nets either on the ground or suspended above the ground helps to gather.
More images of Sweet Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut Overview
Castanea sativa is a large, deciduous tree species from the Fagaceae family. It is commonly known by the names Sweet Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut, Common Chestnut and European Chestnut, amongst others. This plant produces edible nuts, enclosed in spiny burrs, termed Chestnuts. The female flowers develop into tasty chestnuts, protected by the spiny outer casing, dropping to the ground as they ripen. The leaves turn a glorious yellow before falling in autumn. So not only is the Chestnut a large fast-growing tree with delicious edible nuts that are widely used in the culinary and medicinal applications, but also a handsome specimen to grow in a garden or a park.
Common problems with Sweet Chestnut
Susceptible to Chestnut blight fungus and aphids. Young trees can suffer from squirrel damage.
How to propagate Sweet Chestnut
Seed
Where possible sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a seed bed outdoors. Has a short viability and must not be allowed to become dry. Germination in late winter/early spring.
Grafting
Budding
The cultivars are propagated by budding in the summer.
Special features of Sweet Chestnut
Drought resistant
Once established, it is very drought tolerant.
Attracts useful insects
Attractive to insects such as bees, as well as micro-moths.
Autumn colour
The leaves turn a beautiful yellow before falling.
Attractive leaves
Attractive flowers
Attractive fruits
Attracts birds
The nuts are an important food for birds including jays and pigeons.
Other uses of Sweet Chestnut
Culinary
Medicinal
A good source of tannins and useful in the treatment of bleeding, diarrhoea etc. The leaves and bark are anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant and tonic, use to treat various illnesses.
Edible
Ripe, roasted or baked seeds (nuts). Important as a nut or even a flour in confectionery, patisserie & sweet desserts. Also provides food to some animals.
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