Post 21: Castanea sativa

The Spanish or Sweet chestnut is native to Europe and Asia minor. It can grow to around 35 metres (115 feet) tall. These are around 15-17 metres (50-55 feet) high. They can live for 2000 years. The nuts are edible and traditionally roasted then dipped in salt. Wood use includes furniture making and roof beams. These are a group of trees that originated from the Riccarton Sweet Chestnut which was over 250 years old. The original tree died back leaving peripheral shoots.