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Chinese ChestnutCastanea 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 mutiple trees to ensure pollination) (zones 4-8)
Hardiness Zones
The chinese chestnut can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–8. View Map
Tree Type
Mature Size
The Chinese chestnut grows to a height of 40–60' and a spread of 40–60' at maturity.
Growth Rate
This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The Chinese chestnut grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. It is drought-tolerant.
Attributes
This tree:
- Should be planted in pairs or groups to ensure pollination.
- Yields a ripened nut crop mid/late September through October. A prickly 2–3½" seed husk encloses 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.
- Does well in hot, dry climates.
- Grows in a rounded shape.
- Is highly resistant to chestnut blight.
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.