Chestnut-leaved oak

Seeds of the chestnut-leaved oak first arrived in Britain in 1843.

Quercus castaneifolia (chestnut-leaved oak)

Quercus castaneifolia (chestnut-leaved oak) at Kew

Did you know?

The chestnut-leaved oak bears bitter acorns that are favoured by pigeons and jays but are only eaten by squirrels as a last resort.

Historical information

Seeds of the chestnut-leaved oak first arrived in Britain in 1843. Kew’s magnificent 30-metre-high specimen, on the lawn behind the Waterlily House, was planted in 1846. Almost as wide as it is high, and still growing, it is one of Kew’s biggest broad-leafed trees. During the great storm of 1987, many neighbouring trees blew down, but the chestnut-leaved oak didn’t even lose a limb. It now dominates the lawn on which it stands.

About this species

The chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia) originates in the Caucasus and Alborz mountains of Iran. It is similar to its close relative, the Turkey oak, in that its acorns grow in mossy cups. However, its leaves do not conform to the traditional lobed-shape of most oaks. Rather, they are spear-shaped like those of the sweet chestnut, hence the tree’s name. The leaves are a shiny dark green until autumn when they turn deep bronze then brown before dropping.

Things to look out for

Take a look at the size and shape of the tree. Kew’s specimen has been officially recognised by the Tree Register of Britain and Ireland (TROBI) as an unrivalled ‘champion’, so you will not see a larger or finer specimen anywhere in the UK. This charity maintains a database of notable trees and describes Kew as having the richest collection of champion trees in Britain and Ireland.

 



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