Chinese Chestnut Tree

The Chinese Chestnut tree, Castanea mollissima, is aptly named for its original home, mainland China. It is a wild tree that can grow anywhere from forty to sixty feet tall in maturity. The tree is resistant to the common Chestnut blight and tolerates common pests such as deer, which is beneficial for the lifespan of the tree. The Chinese Chestnut tree grows well in hardiness zones 4 through 7, and prefers a well-drained soil type with a pH between 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Chinese Chestnut Tree Is A Fast Grower

After planting, this tree will grow two to three feet annually. It takes the tree about three to five years to produce fruit after planting, which is more than most trees take to flower and produce fruit. Because this tree is apt to produce fruit, it is important to remember to cultivate an outdoor space that is amenable to pollinator life.

Chinese Chestnut Tree Are Low Maintenance

Because this tree is a medium-sized, low-canopy type, it provides shade for those hot afternoons. The tree's leaves are beautiful, dark green, and average about a half-foot in length (five to eight inches). This deciduous tree not only provides a spot of shade but also produces beautiful flowers that are mellow and yellow-white in color. After these showy flowers fall, they are replaced by hardened nuts of a beautiful brown color. In your backyard or garden, these low-lying trees are a wonderful addition because they are low maintenance and absolutely gorgeous to view.

Chinese Chestnut Tree Has Stunning Foliage

In particular, the large leaves provide a talking point because they are oblong and very shiny, providing a different look than the traditional deciduous trees of the United States. In the fall, the leaves go from a rich green to a calm yellow and brown before shedding. In landscaping, the Chinese Chestnut tree can be a wonderful centerpiece of your outdoor space or can be used to fill in the outside of your space for a beautiful, lush perimeter.