Bareroot Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut)

This majestic deciduous tree is renowned for its handsome corrugated bark and long, glossy green leaves with serrated edges that turn golden yellow in autumn. In summer, it produces showy catkins followed by edible nuts encased in spiny husks, providing both ornamental and culinary value. Growing to become a substantial specimen, it thrives in deep, well drained soils and develops a broad canopy perfect for creating dappled shade. The deeply fissured bark becomes increasingly impressive with age, adding winter interest. A superb choice for parkland settings or large gardens where its grand stature and seasonal changes can be fully appreciated, while also supporting wildlife with its nuts and shelter.

Family of Trees: Fagaceae

Habit: Deciduous Tree

Growth Rate: 30-60 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 15-25°C, hardy to -20°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Edible nuts (chestnuts)

Flowers or Berries: Yellow Catkins, Spiny Fruits

Hardiness: H5 (Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)