Bournette

Bournette Chestnut Tree is a French hybrid chestnut variety originating from Ardèche, discovered in 1948 at the Domaine de Bournet in Grospierres. It is a natural hybrid between European chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata).

Bournette produces very large nuts that fall easily from the burr, making harvest more convenient. The chestnuts are well suited to processing and traditional culinary uses, while also being suitable for fresh consumption.

This variety ripens in October and offers good keeping qualities after harvest. Like other Castanea sativa × Castanea crenata hybrids, Bournette is appreciated for its resistance to ink disease, a serious soil-borne disease that has affected European chestnut orchards since the 19th century.

Budbreak is early, but the variety is considered relatively tolerant of spring frost compared with many classic fruit trees. Bournette is a vigorous and useful choice for chestnut production, especially where disease resistance and large nut size are important.

Our Bournette chestnut trees are produced on their own roots and are available in several forms depending on current nursery stock.