Sweet Chestnut

Sweet Chestnut

Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa can live to the ripe old age of 1000 years. It was introduced into Britain by the Romans around 100 AD. It is a spreading tree with long shiny leaves that have sharply indented margins. Flowers appear in July & the male pollen-producing flowers are in stiff catkins. The fruits which develop from the female flowers are spiny balls that contain the familiar edible chestnuts. [CH] {SS}