Tree Trail

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.