Castanea mollissima (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.