Castanea sativa x crenata 'Maraval' #3

Castanea sativa × crenata ‘Maraval’

Maraval Chestnut

‘Maraval’ is a widely planted European × Japanese hybrid chestnut prized for its large, flavorful nuts, strong vigor, and improved resistance to chestnut blight compared to American chestnut. In early summer, showy creamy white catkins appear, followed by spiny burs that ripen in fall and release large, well-filled chestnuts suitable for fresh eating and roasting. Long, glossy green leaves create a bold summer canopy before turning yellow to yellow-brown in autumn. ‘Maraval’ requires cross-pollination with another compatible chestnut cultivar for consistent nut production. Best grown in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic soils, it is an excellent choice for orchards, food forests, and large landscapes.