Castanea sativa - Sweet Chestnut - €14

Castanea sativa has been cultivated for over two thousand years for its edible starchy nuts. These chestnuts were once a staple food in Europe but are enjoyed merely as a delicacy today. Historically, chestnuts were ground into flour or coarse meal. As well as the excellent nuts, the wood from the tree is valuable and often planted for coppicing. It is anticipated that the trees will be ready for the first cut in 15-20 years time. You will need to wait 25-30 yrs for the plants to set fruit form a seedling.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region:S. Europe
  • native habitat:Woods in mountains
  • family: Fagaceae


Predators

  • Squirrels and Birds feed on the nuts

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, dappled shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a - 9a
  • Prefers moist soil
  • Once established, it is very drought tolerant.
  • Plants are very tolerant of highly acid, infertile dry sands.



Known hazards 

  • none known

Overview


  • Deciduous Tree growing to 30 m by 15 m at a medium rate
  • It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October.
  • The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade.
  • It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Characteristics

  • form: Standard Tree  
  • layer : Upper Canopy 
  • habit: Large tree, wide spreading crown
  • height x width (m): 20 x 20
  • years to bearing flowers : 5-8 years   
  • productive life span:500-1000 yrs

Products 

  • Fruit: Very tasty and nutritious nuts. The roasted seed can be used as a coffee substitute and can be ground up finely and used as flour.
  • Leaf: A hair shampoo is made from the leaves and the skins of the fruits
  • Wood : Wood - hard, strong, light. The young growing wood is very durable, though older wood becomes brittle and liable to crack. It is used for carpentry, turnery, props, basketry, fence posts. A very good fuel.
  • Medicinal: The leaves and bark are anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant and tonic

Functions, behaviours

  • Probably has allelopathic effects on other plant species growing nearby.
  • Develops deep, wide spreading root system.
  • Seeds dispersed by fruit-eating birds, mammals.
  • Trees respond well to coppicing
  • Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project