Common Chestnut - Castanea sativa Albomarginata

The Castanea sativa 'Albomarginata' is a variety of chestnut tree with variegated foliage. It forms a large tree with a thick, powerful trunk measuring 20 to 25 metres in height and a twisted crown. Like the common chestnut tree, it produces edible fruits. Its deciduous foliage is bright green, bordered by cream-white to almost pure white. It blooms in June with fragrant cream-white flowers. Plant it in an acidic, deep, and well-drained soil in a large garden.

The chestnut tree belongs to the fagaceae family. It is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The tree can reach up to 30 metres in height after about ten years. In 15 years, it usually reaches a height of about 10 metres, with a majestic habit and a beautiful rounded crown that provides ample shade in summer. It blooms in June with long male catkins and very discreet female flowers that bloom separately. It is a sought-after species because its wood resists weather and time without treatment. Its fruits, chestnuts, have a shiny brownish skin and a woody flavour, and are highly appreciated in autumn. You need gloves or a stick to remove them from their prickly burr once they have fallen to the ground. They ripen in September or October. Enthusiasts roast them or make chestnut cream. They accompany stuffed turkey during the Christmas holidays. Do not confuse the Chestnut tree with the Horse Chestnut tree, the chestnuts of the latter are not edible!

The Castanea sativa 'Albomarginata' has beautiful shiny green leaves, oblong, with a clearly toothed lamina and a remarkable and regular cream-white to pure white margin. Slightly smaller than the species, it reaches a height of 20 to 25 metres at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Its trunk is short but powerful, dark grey and marked with deep grooves, winding around its axis and developing a twisted, round, closed, and dense crown. The young branches are initially olive green before turning reddish-brown. This cultivar has a deep and spreading root system.

The Castanea sativa 'Albomarginata' requires space to be planted as a standalone tree, as well as a deep, moisture-retaining, neutral or acidic soil (not limestone) and a sunny or semi-shaded location. It is highly hardy. For good fruiting, this tree needs the proximity of another chestnut tree species. Improved and productive fruiting selections such as 'Marron de Lyon' or 'Marigoule' would be perfect for this purpose.