Chinese Chestnut

Chinese Chestnut
Leaf Characteristics
  • broad, flat
  • simple
  • not lobed
  • coarse teeth
  • leaf 5" - 8" long, deep teeth
  • short, stout stem
Chinese Chestnut
Fruit Characteristics
  • other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule)
  • nut in a husk
  • thinner, spiny husk
  • 2-3 inch diameter, sharp branching spines
Chinese Chestnut
Castanea mollissima

This tree is smaller than the native American Chestnut. Following devastation of the American Chestnut by the chestnut blight, the Chinese Chestnut has been used as a substitute for our native tree. Flowers of the Chinese Chestnut are particularly foul smelling, and reportedly can spoil a late-spring barbecue. Except for wetland, this tree is very tolerant of soil conditions. Landscapers plant the Chinese Chestnut as an ornamental, particularly in places where the sharp, prickly burs from the fruit will not cause discomfort to walkers and their pets.

Tree Size height 40' - 60' Bark Flower Twig and Buds