Spanish Chestnut

Castanea sativa

Digital Photograph of a Spanish Chestnut in Autumn, taken in Woodstock Estate, Inistioge, County Kilkenny

Castanea sativa

Castanea sativa

Digital Photograph of a Spanish Chestnut in Autumn, taken in Woodstock Estate, Inistioge, County Kilkenny

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Common Name: Sweet Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut.

 

Description: The Spanish Chestnut makes a large fast growing tree. The toothed leaves are distinctive as is the furrowed bark. It bears ornamental male and female catkins in July and has good autumn colour.

 

Origin: The Spanish Chestnut occurs throughout Southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. Believed to have being introduced to Britain by the Romans, it requires hot summers to produce a good crop of nuts. Its timber is also of considerable value.

 

The specimen in Woodstock is 27.2m in height.