Height : 4 m to 20 m includedOrigin : South-eastern Europe, Western AsiaEnvironment : hills and low mountains forests, on neutralor slightly acidic soilsClimate : cool, temperate; moderately humid

Notes :Since ancient times, among European peoples (Germanic, Finno-Ugric, Slavs), evergreen trees (spruce, pine, juniper, cedar, fir, larch) symbolized eternal life, immortality, were a repository of sacred vitality, had a cult significance. (Jews in ancient times made idols from spruce. The palaces of David and Solomon, the Jerusalem temple were built from Lebanese cedar .... Biblical encyclopedia). The New Year's tradition of decorating a Christmas tree goes back to the ancient ideas of the Celts, Estonians, Lithuanians, Slavs, Finno-Ugric peoples that the special vitality and energy of these trees can bring spring closer, help fertility and promise prosperity, and the spirits living in green branches should be to please with offerings, gifts that were hung on the trees.The Chestnut used to be the main crop in Europe during Ancient and Middle Age times. Chestnut flour was used to make bread, which fed many generations of poor Europeans. The timber was much appreciated. Chestnuts were diffused all over Europe by the Romans. In recent times Chestnuts have become rarer because of the advent of American cereals and of other timber species. In Southern Europe Chestnuts grow in pure standings or mixed with the Downy Oak.