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American chestnut

American chestnut

Castanea dentata

treeβ˜€οΈ full sunπŸ’§πŸ’§ moderate waterZone 3b – Zone 8b

A large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, prized for its edible nuts and attractive foliage, though now critically endangered due to chestnut blight disease. Historically an important timber and mast tree, it produces fragrant catkins in early summer followed by spiky burrs containing nuts.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
40–115β€² tall Γ— 40–60β€² wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Drought Tolerance

moderate

USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 3b
Zone 8b
Zone range: Zone 3b to Zone 8b

pH Range

5.5
6.5
pH range: 5.5 to 6.5

Soil Texture

Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Forest Layer Placement

Succession Role

mid successionalclimax

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama

Function & Care

Functional Roles

biomass/mulchedibleerosion controlwildlife benefit
Coppiceable

Edible Parts

nut

Establishment & Care

Establishment
moderate
Maintenance
low
Years to Bearing
4 years
Propagation
seed, grafting

Companion Planting