Castanea
( kass - tan - EE - uh )
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. Gather nuts daily when they are ripe, remove their burrs, and dry them to harvest.
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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.
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. |
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'. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.
Caring for and pruning Chestnut Trees
how to harvest and dry.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
chestnut blight
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page238 - 239, Chestnut
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