This vigorous deciduous tree has a stout trunk with grey-brown, right-hand spiralling furrowed bark and spreading branches that form a broad pyramidal habit. It has dark glossy green oblong leaves that turn gold colour and it bears edible fruit during autumn.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Castanea sativa is naturally found in the south-western Mediterranean growing in open sunny positions on moderately moist, well-drained sandy soils that are tending acidic. It is drought tender and frost resistant.

Spanish Chestnut is an attractive fast growing tree that is used in parks and gardens as a specimen or for shade. Certain cultivars are used for nut production and care should be taken to buy clean stock. It establishes in 1 to 2 years and only attains its full size under optimum conditions. ID 1086

Castanea(ka-STĂN-ee-a) sativa(sa-TEE-va)

Fagaceae (fag-AY-see-e)
Beech, Oaks and Sweet Chestnuts