Chinese Chestnut Tree

Chinese chestnut, Castanea mollissima, is a must-have specimen tree that produces edible nuts. Ideal for landscapes and orchards, Chinese chestnut provides year-round interest. This impressive tree offers dense shade with its elliptical, toothed leaves. In late spring, its branches are adorned with showy clusters of creamy white catkins. This deciduous tree welcomes autumn with brilliant golden foliage and spiky, rounded green fruits. Inside each fruit is 1-4 shiny brown chestnuts. The delicious and nutritious nuts are perfect for roasting or boiling. 

Native to parts of Asia, Chinese chestnut can be grown in zones 4-9. This fast-growing tree reaches heights of 40-50’ tall once mature. Chinese chestnut adds architectural interest to landscapes with attractive, low and wide-spreading branches. This stately tree has excellent wildlife value, with its nuts being a good food source for squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and large birds. Chinese chestnut is resistant to chestnut blight. 

Chinese Chestnut Tree Care

Chinese chestnut grows happily in full sun to partial shade. Because it can grow quite large, avoid planting it near buildings or under power lines. Additionally, the spiky fruit dropping in fall makes it unsuitable for planting near driveways, walkways, or play areas. Chinese chestnut requires well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend the soil with compost at planting time or use a slow-release fertilizer each spring. Keep the soil moist but not wet, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply during periods of drought. Mulching will help to conserve soil moisture. 

Chinese chestnuts grow best with a central leader, which is the strongest central branch. Remove competing weaker branches the first year after planting. Chinese chestnut should be pruned while it is dormant in late winter. Remove any dead or overlapping branches. Never remove more than a third of all branches in a single year, as this can cause weak, thin growth that is prone to breakage from a heavy nut crop. Young Chinese chestnuts may need to be protected from deer browsing with tree tubes. 

Chinese Chestnut Tree Spacing

Plant Chinese chestnuts 30-40’ apart from other trees and structures. Planting more than one tree together will ensure better cross-pollination for a larger nut crop.

Chinese Chestnut Tree Information