J09: Sweet Chestnut: Castanea sativa

Native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Asia the Sweet Chestnut was probably introduced by the Romans. It is abundant everywhere in the UK and was formerly coppiced in large areas. It can become a huge tree, 35 x 10 m. Characterised by bark ridged in spirals in old trees, ovate lanceolate toothed leaves and the characteristic spiny fruit.