Castanea
( kass - tan - EE - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of deciduous trees needs full sun and regular water. Chestnut trees are commonly used as shade trees in many situations, though they do need to be placed where their pollen's scent won't disturb the noses of passers-by. Leaves are green and flowers appear in creamy white in catkins in summertime. These trees are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and grow at a moderate rate, taking about 20 years to reach full size. Chestnut trees are excellent shade or lawn trees, and look great in natural, rural, and urban landscapes.
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Castanea Species and Varietals
The genus Castanea includes 8 species and is a member of the plant family Fagaceae, making them relatives of Oaks and Beeches. The best growing zones for Chestnut trees are 2-9 and 14-17 though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Castanea crenata (Japanese Chestnut, Korean Chestnut) Native to Japan and Korea, this species of Chestnut is resistant to Ink Disease. This is a medium-sized deciduous tree that reaches between 30 and 50 feet tall at maturity. Flowers bloom in summer and fall, and nuts are ready for harvest by October. Fruits have a sweet flavor to them. |
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Castanea dentata (American Chestnut) This large, deciduous, fast-growing tree is native to eastern North America, and has prolific edible nuts. Maximum height of these trees is 115 feet, and they produce green foliage and cream-white flowers in June and July. |
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Castanea henryi (Henry's Chestnut, Chinese Chinquapin, Pearl Chestnut) These trees reach about 100 feet tall at maturity, and is native to south-central and southeastern China, where it is widely cultivated for its edible nuts that are a bit smaller than other species'. |
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Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut) This species is native to China, Korea and Taiwan and reaches 35-40 feet tall with a rounded top. The canopy can spread to 20-25 feet wide. Resistant to chestnut blight, but intolerant of alkaline soils. Leaves have edges that are coarsely toothed. These trees produce prolific harvests of nuts. Popularly cultivated varieties with large nuts include 'Kuling', 'Meiling', and 'Nanking'. |
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Castanea ozarkensis (Ozark Chinquapin) This species of tree is native to the United States, and was first described by William Willard Ashe in 1923. These trees are found growing naturally in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. This species forms a small tree or shrub, reaching about 40-60 feet at maturity. |
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Castanea pumila (Allegheny Chinquapin, American Chinquapin, Dwarf Chestnut) Native to the southeastern United States, this species grows naturally in dry, sandy or rocky uplands in full sun to partial shade. These plants can take the form of a small tree or a multi-trunked large shrub, and have grey-brown bark. They reach between 6 and 26 feet at maturity. |
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Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut, Chestnut) This species is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Typically reaches 40-60 feet tall in gardens and has toothed leaves. This tree produces the widely sold chestnuts that are found in markets. Susceptible to Chestnut Blight, but resistant to Oak Root Fungus. Cultivar 'Variegata' ('Aureomarginata') has green and white variegated leaves. |
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Castanea seguinii (Seguin's Chestnut, Chinese Chinquapin) These small trees or shrubs have a maximum height of 40 feet tall, and are native to south-central and southeast China. Foliage is green, and nuts produced are about 3-4 inch in diameter. These plants flower in May through July, and produce their fruits in September through November. |
Hybrid Chestnut Trees
This group of Chestnuts grow best in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and reach 40-60 feet tall and just as wide. Do not tolerate alkaline soils, but do resist Chestnut Blight (in select varieties). Selections are outlined below.
This group of Chestnuts grow best in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and reach 40-60 feet tall and just as wide. Do not tolerate alkaline soils, but do resist Chestnut Blight (in select varieties). Selections are outlined below.
'Colossal'
This variety produces great nuts. |
'Bouche de Betizac'
A French cultivar that produces large to very large chestnuts. |
'Dunstan'
Resistant to blight. |
'Nevada'
Small nuts, great cross-pollinizer with 'Colossal'. |
'Precoce Migoule'
This European/Japanese hybrid species produces an early crop. |
'Skioka'
Produces abundant small nuts, does not cross-pollinate. |
'Sleeping Giant'
Sweet, large nuts with blight resistance. |
Caring for and pruning Chestnut Trees
Chestnut trees require full sun exposure (between 6 and 8 hours of sun per day). This exposure will ensure healthy growth and nut production. Ensure that trees have enough space to grow; if they are too crowded they have a tendency to develop fungal issues. They prefer soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic (with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5). They can tolerate sandy, loamy, and even slightly rocky soils, but good drainage is essential to tree health. If soil is clayey, consider amending with organic matter or sand to increase drainage. Apply mulch to the top of soil around the base of the tree after installation. This will suppress weed growth, maintain a good soil moisture level, and assist in managing soil temperature. Water young trees regularly to assist them in developing a strong root system. Once mature, these trees are relatively drought-tolerant, but will still benefit from occasional deep waterings, especially during the drier months of the year. Pruning is minimal on these trees. Simply remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches in late winter or early springtime. Younger trees should be pruned to establish a central, strong leader and a more balanced branching structure. This will help to support the weight of the nuts when the tree matures and begins to produce full harvests.
Harvesting Chestnuts
When growing these trees for harvesting nuts, it is essential that trees have a mate to cross-pollinate within 100 feet. There are some self-fruitful varieties that will not need a partner. Trees typically begin producing nuts after 3 to 7 years of being in the ground, depending on climate and growing conditions. Nut production increases as trees mature. Chestnuts are harvested in fall, after the nuts begin to drop from the tree. Collect them as soon as possible from the ground to avoid them being eaten by wildlife or spoiling (checking the ground every two days is recommended). After collecting, remove the outer shell to access seeds. Take care when gathering fruits, as the outer shells have sharp spines.
Chestnuts are bitter when raw, and shells are difficult to remove. Take care when consuming unroasted chestnuts, as it can be dangerous for some individuals (those with liver or kidney problems) due to their tannic acid content. Roasted chestnuts are buttery, soft and sweet, reminiscent of the taste of a sweet potato. To roast chestnuts, slit them and soak overnight. Then roast them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for between 30 and 35 minutes. Allow them to cool down a bit, and shell them while they're still warm. These nuts can also be boiled, and have a sweeter taste. Boiled nuts are commonly use as an additive in pasta sauces or to make paté. Soak nuts in boiling water for about an hour, and then cut the skin open to remove the edible flesh inside.
Harvesting Chestnuts
When growing these trees for harvesting nuts, it is essential that trees have a mate to cross-pollinate within 100 feet. There are some self-fruitful varieties that will not need a partner. Trees typically begin producing nuts after 3 to 7 years of being in the ground, depending on climate and growing conditions. Nut production increases as trees mature. Chestnuts are harvested in fall, after the nuts begin to drop from the tree. Collect them as soon as possible from the ground to avoid them being eaten by wildlife or spoiling (checking the ground every two days is recommended). After collecting, remove the outer shell to access seeds. Take care when gathering fruits, as the outer shells have sharp spines.
Chestnuts are bitter when raw, and shells are difficult to remove. Take care when consuming unroasted chestnuts, as it can be dangerous for some individuals (those with liver or kidney problems) due to their tannic acid content. Roasted chestnuts are buttery, soft and sweet, reminiscent of the taste of a sweet potato. To roast chestnuts, slit them and soak overnight. Then roast them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for between 30 and 35 minutes. Allow them to cool down a bit, and shell them while they're still warm. These nuts can also be boiled, and have a sweeter taste. Boiled nuts are commonly use as an additive in pasta sauces or to make paté. Soak nuts in boiling water for about an hour, and then cut the skin open to remove the edible flesh inside.
Propagation
Castanea seeds are contained inside of the fruits dropped by trees.
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Castanea seeds.
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Problems and Pests
Chestnut trees are susceptible to developing problems with the following:
- Chestnut Blight
- Weevils
- Borers
- Aphids
Gallery
A mature grove of Chestnut trees.
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These trees bloom from late springtime into the summer months.
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Newly produced chestnuts still on the tree.
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Burs fall from trees from the middle of September to November.
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Castanea sativa 'Variegata'.
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These are great shade trees for lawn areas.
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Videos
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Learn how to harvest Chestnuts.
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Check out this NBC news special about the American Chestnut tree.
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How to create and tend to a Chestnut Orchard.
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How to tell the difference between Sweet Chestnut and Horse Chestnut trees.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 238 - 239, Chestnut
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