Sweet Chestnut
Both horse chestnut and sweet chestnut trees are common throughout the UK, though the former is presently under attack from moths, bleeding canker, drought and leaf blotch fungus. Like oak and beech, to which it is botanically related, the sweet chestnut can grow to a height of 30 metres (for basic information about the tree, see the Woodlands “Guide to Tree Identification”).
Sweet chestnut is not thought to be a native tree. Pollen analysis indicates that it was not present before Roman times. So why did the Romans introduce the tree ? There have been various suggestions.
For its fruit. The nuts formed an important part of the Roman diet (roasted or ground for flour). However, the nuts from UK trees are smaller than those from Italy or Spain.
For firewood. Sweet chestnut is quick growing and coppices would provide material for firewood. However, the wood is not noted for burning well or giving off great heat. (Surely the Romans would have used a native tree like ash ?)
For making charcoal. Charcoal was extensively used for working with metals (tin, copper, iron etc) for example, in the Forest of Dean. Did the Romans introduce a new species just for charcoal production? Iron production was quite extensive in the 1st Century AD, so perhaps a ‘new’ fast growing species helped.
For use in the vineyards. Sweet chestnut stakes could be used to support the growing vines (as the wood is rich in tannins it would not rot too quickly when stood in soil). Perhaps, the answer lies in the fact that the tree could be used for all of these things – the wood was versatile.
For lots more information on the Sweet Chestnut, its history and uses read Chris Howkins’ book “Sweet Chestnut – history, landscape, people”.
Veteran sweet chestnut trunk
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Discussion
hi Michael – thanks very much for confirming the record for the Stratton Strawless tree – I’ll try to get over your way and check these trees out. If the nuts prove to be large and worth eating then let me know – I am interested in the range of sweet chestnut varieties that exist in Britain and where they might have originated in Europe… Rob
Hi Rob. I live in Norwich near old Costessey. I haven’t walked through the woods there but there is certainly a huge one nearby in Stratton strawless about 5 miles away. It even has a plaque with its history and was planted in the 1700’s. I may harvest a few nuts off it this autumn if I remember. Michael.
hi Dave – interested in the Old Costessey sweet chestnut trees – did you notice any especially large sweet chestnut trees in this area? I live in the W Country so cannot visit Norwich easily but should be interested to know if there ancient sweet chestnut trees there
cheers, Rob
I recently went to Old Costessey a lovely place near Norwich, the place is covered in woodlands and beautiful walks, as it is nearing autumn, i couldn’t help noticing hundreds of horse chestnuts and sweet chestnuts falling from the trees, I suddenly thought, wouldn’t it be nice if we had sweet chestnuts in my local area, in the west midland called Quinton, we only have oak trees and horse chestnut trees, anyway, I soon filled a carry bag full of sweet chestnuts, hopefully thanks to the contacts on this page, I should be able to start growing them for the local squirrels, and yes, they do grow big enough for us to eat too, problem is, not in my life time I don’t think.
can sweet chestnuts grown in the uk grow big enough to be eaten , thanks ,
I am growing five around my property, but think I’d like several more. If there is anyone who would supply me with sweet chestnuts (as seed) I would be more than pleased to pay for postage and packing and something for your trouble.
Sweet Chestnut – Marigoule see http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/sweet-chestnut-tree-marigoule-pid2798.html
hello
my husband is suddenly “crazy” about nut trees which grow big eatable nuts.
Where would we get the seeds from and which are the best varieties for damp Pembrokeshire?
I have heard of French Sweet Chestnuts Marigoule or others
Walnuts again french Franket, Perricot or Vernore (spelling not exact)
not Broadview (bad for blight).
Thanks for your help
regards
Marlis
Can, and when, should I plant sweet chestnuts in the Midlands-Leicester ?
Does anyone know if ivy growing up a sweet horse chestnut tree could kill it off or have some adverse affect on it. I have just pruned a few dead branches off one where there is ivy growing up it through to the top.
I wondered if you could help me locate some near by sweet chestnut trees to runcorn or cheshire.
I can find plenty of hazelnuts but have had some difficulty finding sweet chestnuts.
Yours Sincerly
S.Corner
I brought some sweet chestnut seeds back from a holiday in Italy at Easter. There was a huge tree in the garden of the cottage we rented, and I found the nuts splitting, sending out a root and some small leaves. I potted them up at home and left them on a sunny windowsill, they are romping ahead. I didn’t know the tree grew so huge until I read up a bit. I have a large garden, but I think I’ll have to coppice them to keep under control. They have grown about 4 inches since Easter, and it’s very exciting to have something different from all the ash and beech we have around our property.
[…] for medicinal or other uses. Many are now are now thought of as part of our flora, such as the Sweet Chestnut. […]
[…] Archaeophytes are ‘ancient introductions’, plants that were introduced (accidentally or deliberately) by humans before 1500 AD. Ancient introductions are plants like poppies (Papaver sp), which came in with crop seeds, whilst other species might have been introduced for medicinal or other uses. Many are now are now thought of as part of our flora, such as the Sweet Chestnut. […]
I have just spent some time in Brittany, France where the Sweet Chestnut trees grow in abundance. Can anyone please tell me are the sweet chestnuts sold in our UK shops grown in S.C ‘orchards’ and if so how are they harvested or are they gathered by hand in the wild so to speak. S.C from trees in France might be small but they cooked well on top of the log burner.
Hi Will, yes, we have had no problem making charcoal with our SChestnut.
Can anyone tell me, is Sweet Chestnut good for making charcoal with?
correction the above should read Sweet Chestnut
The book on the Horse Chestnut was written by Chris Howkins – not me, and is available from http://www.summerfieldbooks.com/ShowDetails.asp?id=946.
Mr. Chris Howkins, your book “Sweet Chestnut – history, landscape, people” is really good! I need an original copy.
I hope in your help.
Sincerely,
Bashkim
I do not know much about sweet chestnut mgermination myself, but a quick look on the web revealed
http://handbooks.btcv.org.uk/handbooks/content/section/3572
and if you search the page, then there is some information on growing seeds, including sweet chestnut.
There is also
http://www.treeforall.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/08FEC65D-B1E9-4002-BE69-50FBBADBA746/0/growingseeds2trees_3348.pdf
Hope this helps
regards
Chris
Please advise if the sweet Chestnut can be grown from seed, and if so, how should the nuts be Planted.
Regards
Michael Calvert
[…] Archaeophytes are ‘ancient introductions’, plants that were introduced (accidentally or deliberately) by humans before 1500 AD. Ancient introductions are plants like poppies (Papaver sp), which came in with crop seeds, whilst other species might have been introduced for medicinal or other uses. Many are now are now thought of as part of our flora, such as the Sweet Chestnut. […]
Chris Howkins book is really good!
we are looking for sweet chestnuts to forage close to us in the Northeast. does anyone know of a place we can find them? we are willing to drive a bit. thank you
Joan
3 October, 2015