Chestnut, Sweet   /   Castanea sativa

Areas of origin: Asia Minor where fossilised leaves dating from approximately 5000 years ago have been found.  It has become indigenous in the Mediterranean Basin and within the boreal hemisphere between 30° and 50° .
Adult Dimensions: Height up to 30 m (98.4'), width up to 20 m (65.6').
Foliage : Deciduous.
Soil Type: Well drained.  Dislikes soil that is too wet.
Hardiness: Hardy to -20°C.
Exposure: Semi-shade to full sun.

Characteristics and Uses: The magnificent foliage and the production of chestnuts in autumn make this a very interesting tree for parks and gardens.  It can be planted alone or within a windbreak hedge.  This tree is also important within forests, the wood is very hard and is therefore very good for making fence posts.  It is also much used in carpentry. For the intensive production of sweet chestnuts, the varieties favoured are 'Marigoule', 'Maraval' and 'Comballe'.

List of trees and shrubs with edible fruits:
Black Chokeberry 'Viking' (Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking'), slightly acidic berries, purple black used in jam-making
Blueberry Bush 'Jersey' (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Jersey'), slightly acidic fruits, from August
Common Hazel (Corylus avellana), nuts from September
Common Walnut (Juglans regia),  nuts from end of October, delicious in salads
'Jenny' Self Fertile Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis 'Jenny'), hardy to -12°C
Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana), fruits rich in vitamin C and pineapple taste, only grows in warm climate areas
Raspberry 'Fall Gold' (Rubus idaeus 'Fall Gold'), soft fruits, fragrant, orangey yellow, double cropping and self-fertile variety
Raspberry 'Heritage' (Rubus idaeus 'Heritage'), soft and fragrant fruits, double cropping and self - fertile variety
Red Chokeberry 'Brilliant' (Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliant'), bright red fruits from the Autumn
Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), hardy to -12°C, its fruits look like a strawberry
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), extremely decorative fruits, rich in vitamin C
White Mulberry (Morus alba), pinkish white fruits, sweet


Edible Hedge 'Ophélie', provides edible red fruits throughout the summer
See the catalogue of tree and shrubs with edible fruits