European chestnut
Castanea sativa
USDA zones5 to 7
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size80 to 100 feet tall30 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Broad
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellowish green catkins
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
European chestnut (Castanea sativa) is a tree for food gardens and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun, average moisture, and sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Yellowish green catkins open in spring, summer, and autumn, and bees visit them. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. It tolerates drought and salt and grows into a broad tree.
Pairs well with River birch, Oakleaf hydrangea, Japanese forest grass, and Coralbells.
Native range
Western Asia and southeastern Europe.