Sweet Chestnut Tree

Sweet chestnut is a large, vigorous deciduous tree with glossy, toothed leaves, rugged bark, and yellowish catkins. The flowers are followed by spiny burs containing edible nuts. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/3191/castanea-sativa/details) describes its habit and growing conditions, and [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295349-1) accepts Castanea sativa and documents its native range. ## Landscape use Use sweet chestnut as a long-lived specimen or productive tree in a spacious landscape. It becomes large and broad with age, so it is unsuitable where a compact canopy is needed. The tree may take many years to reach maturity, and size estimates vary by site and management. ## Foliage and flowers The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, glossy, and serrated, and fall in autumn. Yellowish male catkins are followed by spiny fruits containing edible nuts. Both the canopy and falling burs require room and seasonal cleanup. ## Siting and soil Plant in full sun and well-drained loam or sandy soil. Acidic to neutral conditions are suitable. Avoid waterlogged sites, which can stress the roots. ## Maintenance Prune lightly to remove dead or crossing branches and preserve the natural branching structure. Gather fallen burs where people walk, and allow adequate space for the mature crown.