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.
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 | Fagaceae |
Genus | Castanea |
Common names | Chinese Chestnut, Chestnut |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Spread | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | 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 | Drought, Deer |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
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 | Fagaceae |
Genus | Castanea |
Common names | Chinese Chestnut, Chestnut |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Spread | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | 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 | Drought, Deer |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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