Castanea sativa aka Sweet Chestnut

Castanea sativa, also known as the sweet chestnut, Spanish chestnut, or just chestnut, is a substantial, long-lived deciduous tree that is native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is widely cultivated throughout the temperate world and can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk of 2 meters in diameter. The bark of the tree often has a net-shaped pattern with deep furrows or fissures running spirally in both directions up the trunk. The oblong-lanceolate, boldly toothed leaves are 16–28 cm long and 5–9 cm broad. The tree produces an edible seed, the chestnut, which has been used in cooking since ancient times. The chestnut is exploited for uses such as flour, boiling, roasting, drying, sweets, or wood. The tree requires a mild climate and adequate moisture for good growth and a good nut harvest. Its year-growth (but not the rest of the tree) is sensitive to late spring and early autumn frosts, and is intolerant of lime. Under forest conditions, it will tolerate moderate shade well. It can live to more than 2,000 years of age in natural conditions. However, Castanea sativa is not commercially grown in the US due to its susceptibility to chestnut blight. The majority of chestnuts imported from Europe are cultivars and hybrids that are less affected by blight. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, and brown spot are diseases affecting Castanea Sativa. The species is monoecious, and its flowers are pollinated by bees. Castanea sativa is noted for attracting wildlife.