The Sweet or Spanish chestnut, Castanea sativa, is a well-established, fast-growing deciduous tree in Ireland, known for its broad crown and unique spiral bark grooves as it ages. It can grow up to 30-35 meters tall. Its long, attractive, toothed leaves reach up to 20cm and turn a vibrant yellow in autumn.

The tree produces yellow male catkins about 15cm long, with female flowers at their base that develop into spiky, pale green husks revealing pairs of edible chestnuts. While fruiting may be irregular, it thrives in moist, acidic to neutral sandy loam and adapts well to various deep soils. Its durable, rot-resistant wood is perfect for fencing and favoured by green woodworkers, and it can be coppiced for sustainable use.