Chinese Chestnut Tree - Castanea mollissima

Chinese Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its broad, toothed leaves and the production of spiky, burr-like husks. One of its primary benefits in landscaping is its ornamental value. The tree is an exciting addition to any landscape. They are stunning and can grow to a size of 65 feet tall. This plant typically has a compact trunk with a broad, lush crown of leaves. They tend to be wider than tall and boast several sturdy branches supporting the canopy. Often, the leaves are so tightly clustered that they'll cover branches and provide plenty of shade. 

Chinese Chestnut Trees are a Hardy Native Favorite

They are ideal for homeowners who want to make a statement. Their classic shape lets them stand out nicely on a lawn or among flower beds. They work well as a standalone landscaping accent, but they're also versatile enough to look attractive among other plants. Some people also like to plant multiple ones together to create a graceful grove of leafy trees.

The Chinese Chestnut Tree Has Gorgeous Leaves and Bark

Due to their stunning appearance, they are easy to identify. The bark of this plant is pale grayish-brown with parallel grooves. The lighter color of the trunk is offset by deep green leaves. The leaves are elongated and oval, with a pointed tip and a frilled edge. They are glossy green along the top and slightly paler green along the underside. They hang in defined clusters along the branches and ripple easily in the breeze.

Chinese Chestnut Trees undergo seasonal changes, making them an even more appealing part of your landscape. In the summer, they bloom with long, feathery, white flowers. These flowers look like graceful tassels and appear at the tip of each branch. Once the flowers are fertilized, they turn into lime-green seed pods. The seeds of this plant are covered in a spiky-looking coating and grow in tight clumps on it. During fall, this plant looks like it's covered in bright pom poms as its seeds grow.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Yellow

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Chinese chestnut trees thrive in well-drained soil and require regular watering during dry spells. They benefit from annual fertilization in early spring and should be pruned in winter to maintain their shape and remove dead wood. It's essential to watch for pests and diseases.

Plant Reproduction

The Chinese Chestnut Tree spreads via nuts and animal dispersal.

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.