About

Castanea sativa is a robust deciduous tree characterized by its rough, ridged bark and elongated, serrated leaves that can reach up to 20 cm long. The tree produces male catkins that grow as long as 15 cm and display a yellowish hue. Following the flowering, it develops spiny fruits that enclose edible nuts.

About the genus

Castanea consists of rapidly growing, sizable deciduous trees or large shrubs featuring elongated, serrated leaves. These plants produce noticeable yellow catkins, which are succeeded by spiny fruits.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural
Native to
S. Europe, N. America, SW Asia, N. Africa

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed or grafting
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to phytophthora, leaf spot, chestnut blight and honey fungus