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| Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa (green/yellow) |
| Tree & Flower Facts: The Sweet Chestnut is a species of chestnut from a medium-sized to large deciduous tree. The flowers appear in late June to July, and by autumn, the female flowers develop into spiny cupules containing brownish nuts that are shed during October. The bark often has an unmistakable, yet beautifully net-shaped pattern, due to the fact that its deep furrows or fissures do not only run spirally in one direction up the trunk, they often do so in an opposite direction as well and when the two directions meet this criss-cross effect becomes distinctly visible. The tree requires a mild climate and adequate moisture for good growth and a good nut harvest. Sweet Chestnut is widely cultivated for its edible nuts. As early as Roman times it was introduced into more northerly regions, and later it was cultivated in monastery gardens by monks. Today, centuries-old specimens may be found in Great Britain and the whole of central and western Europe. The nuts, which are very tasty, are used by confectioners and are also eaten roasted. They may be roasted whole or ground to make flour. The durable wood is used to make furniture, barrels, fencing and roof beams, but due to its tendency to split and warp badly, it is not used in large pieces. The bark also provides tannin. |
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| Tree & Flower Meaning: Being Open, Faith, Spirituality, Surrender, and Transcendence |
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| Bloom and Blossom - Root and Grow: Sweet Chestnut heals the deepest form of soul anguish and despair - that which is often referred to as the "dark night of the soul." The conditions which require Sweet Chestnut are extreme, and the individual is often in the most negative and acute form of suffering; however, this flower is the brings great spiritual transformation. The one who needs Sweet Chestnut is tested literally to the breaking point of endurance. Although the cause of such pain is based on a deeply personal situation, there is nevertheless a profound existential quality related to this state, for the soul feels utterly alone in its suffering. Sweet Chestnut is often indicated in drug addiction or suicide therapy, when the individual feels that he or she has hit "rock bottom." It can be indicated for many other extreme conditions, such as the death of a loved one or realization that one has a life-threatening illness. Through these forms of intense suffering, the Self surrenders to a Higher Power and is able to be reborn. It is precisely in this way that transformational healing is possible, for when the soul is stretched to its limits it also becomes transcendent. Sweet Chestnut helps the soul surrender and open to a new spiritual identity. The colors that represent Sweet Chestnut are green and yellow. The positive qualities of Sweet Chestnut are: Spiritual depth, faith derived from encountering adversity; and solitude rooted in spiritual communion. |
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