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Chestnut, Chinese Castanea mollissima

Chinese Chestnut—Castanea mollissima

A nut tree and a shade tree. Sweet-flavored nuts. Prefers acid, well-drained loamy soil. Does well in hot, dry climates. Blight resistant. Grows to 40' to 60', 50' spread. (Plant two trees for pollination) (zones 4-8)

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Zones 4 - 8
Zones 4 - 8

Hardiness Zones: Zones 4 - 8
The Chinese Chestnut can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map. VIEW MAP

Nut Tree
Nut Tree

Type of tree:
The Chinese Chestnut falls into the following type(s): Nut Trees

40' - 60' High
40' - 60' High

Mature Height:
The Chinese Chestnut grows to be 40' - 60' feet in height.

40' - 60' Spread
40' - 60' Spread

Mature Spread:
The Chinese Chestnut has a spread of about 40' - 60' at full maturity.

Slow to Medium Growth
Slow to Medium Growth

Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a slow to medium growth rate. [More about this.]

Full Sun
Full Sun

Sun:
This chestnut does well in full sun.

Various Soils
Various Soils

Soil:
The Chinese Chestnut grows in acidic, drought tolerant, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained, clay soils.

Rounded Shape
Rounded Shape

Shape:
This chestnut has rounded shape.

More Info
More Info

Attributes:
The Chinese chestnut is highly resistant to chestnut blight. The sweet tasting nuts are delicate roasted and famous in turkey stuffing. A handsome spreading landscape tree, it provides dense shade. As a timber tree, chestnut wood is very durable and rot resistant.

Description:
A nut tree and a shade tree. Sweet-flavored nuts. Prefers acid, well-drained loamy soil. Does well in hot, dry climates. Blight resistant. Grows to 40' to 60', 50' spread. (Plant mutiple trees to ensure pollination) (zones 4-8)

Wildlife Value:
Chinese chestnut is valuable for human consumption and a valuable wildlife food.

Leaves:
Simple, alternate, 3"-5" long, dark green, glossy on top, toothed at margins.

Flower Color:
Pale yellow or cream

Bloom Time:
Early summer.

Fruit Description:
A prickly 2"-3 1/2" seed husk encloses 1-4 chestnut brown colored 3/4"-1 1/2" nuts. The nuts are large, meaty, crisp, and sweet although less sweet than American chestnut. Harvest in mid-late September to October.