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Chinese Chestnut

Castanea mollissima


Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8   View Map
  • Yields a ripened nut crop mid/late September through October with a prickly 2–3½" seed husk enclosing 1-4 nuts; the nuts are large, meaty, crisp, and sweet, although less sweet than American chestnuts
  • Begins to bear nuts in 4–5 years if grown from seed
  • Provides dense shade with a handsome, spreading canopy
  • Has wood that is very durable and resistant to rot
  • Features simple, alternate leaves that are 3–5" in length and dark green in color with a toothed margin
  • Should be planted in pairs or groups to ensure pollination
  • Does well in hot, dry climates
  • Grows in a rounded shape
  • Is highly resistant to chestnut blight

Tree Details

Shape

Rounded

Scientific Name

Castanea mollissima

Shipping Height

2' - 3'

Growth Speed

Slow to Medium

Mature Height

40' - 60'

Mature Spread

40' - 60'

Highlights

As the American chestnut struggles with disease, the blight-resistant Chinese chestnut is quick gaining popularity. The sweet-tasting nuts are often roasted for holiday eating and have been made famous in turkey stuffing recipes across the country.

But this is more than a nut tree. The shade of its spreading canopy is dense, providing relief in the hot, dry climates the Chinese chestnut does well in.

Sun Preference

Full Sun

Soil Preference

Acidic, Clay, Drought, Loamy, Moist, Sandy, Well Drained

Wildlife Value

While the chestnuts are valuable for human consumption, they are also valuable as food for wildlife.

History/Lore

This tree is native to northern China and Korea. It was introduced in 1853 and 1903.

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