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
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