Castanea pumila (Dwarf Chestnut)

Castanea pumila (Dwarf Chestnut) is a large thicket-forming shrub or small tree with spreading lower branches and ascending upper branches. The alternate, oblong, finely serrated leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), are glossy green above and silvery tomentose underneath. Prominently veined, they turn yellow to golden brown in the fall. In spring to early summer, showy but strong-smelling, creamy-white flowers appear in catkins. They give way to edible chestnuts encased in spiny dehiscent burs, 1.5 in. across (3 cm). The nuts have a sweet flavor and are considered better tasting than those of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata). They were a favorite of indigenous people and are also eaten by many birds and mammals, including squirrels, chipmunks, opossums, white-tailed deer, bluejays, pileated woodpeckers, and red-headed woodpeckers. A beautiful specimen shade tree for lawns or to provide food for yourself and wildlife. Remember that falling chestnuts may pose a litter problem if not harvested.

• Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall (4-9 m) and 10-20 ft. wide (3-6 m).
• Performs best in dry, rocky, sandy, or loamy, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerant of summer heat.
• Generally pest-free. Watch for chestnut blight, leaf spot, anthracnose, twig and stem cankers.
• Propagate by seed. Germination of seeds requires fall sowing or stratification.
• Native to the eastern and central United States.