Sweet ChestnutCastanea sativa

Sweet chestnut is a versatile and handsome tree, packed with interest throughout the seasons and a providing valuable habitat for wildlife. Mature specimens can grow up to 35m and make magnificent subjects for large gardens, but with regular pruning, there is also a place for them in smaller gardens – as screening or hedging plants. They are also fantastic trees for coppicing, yielding sweet chestnut poles that can be used for fencing and woodland crafts. Sweet chestnuts have distinctive and handsome foliage – with glossy leaves 16-28cm long that bear strongly serrated margins. The leaves transition to yellow in autumn. Long yellow catkins appear in spring, and on mature trees, they are followed by spiky cases containing shiny, red-brown fruits. The grey-purple bark develops characteristic fissures with age that spiral upwards. Sweet chestnut flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects, whilst squirrels and other mammals feast on the nuts.

Height and spread after 10 years: 5m (16ft). Mature height and spread: 20m + (65ft).

Please note: This Sweet Chesnut cannot self pollinate – two trees are required for pollination.

The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.