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Castanea sativa

The Spanish Chestnut or Sweet Chestnut is a large fast-growing tree, which should easily attain 7m in height after 10 years, soon becoming an impressive - and long-lived - sight in the landscape.

The tree produces clusters of yellow catkins in July, which consist of both male and female flowers. These are wind-pollinated, yet are a rich resource of nectar and consequently are very attractive to bees.

Historically these trees are primarily grown for their nuts, which can be eaten roasted or ground into flour.

Spanish Chestnuts are also very suitable for coppicing.

Castanea sativa native trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £72.00
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

How to grow

Spanish Chestnuts are well-suited to the UK climate, and do best in moist soils and mild climates.

History

The species Castanea sativa is native to southern Europe and Asia Minor. However it has long been a feature of English landscapes, having been brought here by the Romans and is generally considered a UK native tree.

Despite their similar names and nut-bearing habit the Spanish or Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) is not related to the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).

Castanea sativa characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive bark
  • Growth habitUpright
  • Height after 10 years5m-8m / 16ft-25ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningLight prune
  • Growth rateFast
  • Site conditionsCoastal siteOccasional droughtFree-draining site
  • WildlifeSeeds / fruits useful for animalsMelliferous
  • Flowering monthJuly
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnGreen
  • Fruit persistenceRipens over a periodPersistent
  • BarkBrown - chocolate
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Castanea Sativa chestnut tree

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2023.