Castanea sativa aka Sweet Chestnut
Taxonomy
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.
Common names
Sweet Chestnut, European Chestnut, Spanish ChestnutHow to care for Sweet Chestnut
Difficulty
Sweet Chestnut requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Sweet Chestnut should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sweet Chestnut loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Sweet Chestnut requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sweet Chestnut will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Sweet Chestnut is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Sweet Chestnut’s native range is S. Europe. Long naturalized in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia
