Common Chestnut - Castanea sativa Aspleniifolia

The Castanea sativa 'Aspleniifolia' is a variety of chestnut tree with fern-like laciniate foliage. Slightly smaller than the species, it reaches a height of 15 to 20 m at maturity and its leaf shape is very different. They are linear to oblong and sometimes lanceolate, deeply cut and heavily toothed. Regularly, the leaves mutate and take on the typical chestnut shape. Like the common chestnut tree, it blooms in June with fragrant cream-white flowers and produces edible fruits. Plant it in an acidic, deep, and well-drained soil, in a large garden.

The chestnut tree belongs to the family Fagaceae. It is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The tree can reach up to 30 m in a few decades. In 15 years, it typically reaches about 10 metres, with a majestic habit and a beautiful rounded crown that provides shade in the summer. It blooms in June with long male aments and very discreet female flowers that bloom separately. It is a sought-after species because its wood withstands weather and time without treatment. Its fruits, chestnuts, have a shiny brown skin and a woody flavour, and are highly appreciated in autumn. You need gloves or a stick to remove them from their spiky burrs once they have fallen to the ground. They ripen in September or October. Enthusiasts roast them in a pan or make chestnut cream. They accompany stuffed turkey during the Christmas holidays. Do not confuse the chestnut tree with the horse chestnut, as the chestnuts from the horse chestnut tree are not edible!

The Castanea sativa 'Aspleniifolia' has very beautiful green leaves, linear to oblong, sometimes lanceolate, with a lamina bordered by very distinct teeth, deeply and irregularly cut. At the top of the young shoots, the narrowest leaves measure 1 cm wide. With a beautiful glossy green colour, they are occasionally speckled with light green or yellow. Smaller than the species, this variety reaches a height of 15 to 20 m at maturity. Its wide, rounded crown develops irregularly.

The Castanea sativa 'Aspleniifolia' thrives as a standalone tree in a large garden, in a deep soil that remains moist, neutral or acidic, but not chalky. It enjoys full sun or partial shade. It is highly hardy. For good fruit production, this tree needs the proximity of another chestnut species. Improved and productive fruit selections such as 'Marron de Lyon' or 'Marigoule' would be perfect for this purpose.