Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut)
Chinese Chestnut
Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut) is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a short trunk and an open rounded crown adorned with wide-spreading branches. The lustrous dark green, coarsely serrated leaves, 5-8 in. long (12-20 cm), turn yellow to golden brown in the fall. In late spring to early summer, showy but foul-smelling, creamy-white flowers appear in catkins. They give way to clusters of 2-3 edible chestnuts which are encased in spiny dehiscent burs, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm). The nuts are not as sweet as the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata). However, the Chinese Chestnut is resistant to chestnut blight, a disease that has nearly wiped out the native American chestnut. A beautiful specimen shade tree for lawns. Keep in mind that falling chestnuts may pose a litter problem if not harvested.
- Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall and wide (12-18 m).
- Performs best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerant to summer heat and humidity.
- Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for chestnut blight, leaf spot, anthracnose, and twig and stem cankers. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed or grafting
- Native to Korea and China.
Not sure which Castanea - Chestnuts to pick?
Compare All Castanea - Chestnuts
Buy Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Castanea - Chestnuts |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Spread | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Chen Peng, Daryak, Note OMG, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Castanea - Chestnuts |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Spread | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |