Chinese Chestnut
Castaneamollissima

Family: Fagaceae (fag-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Castanea (kas-TAN-nee-uh)
Species: mollissima (maw-LISS-ih-muh)

Category
Trees

Water Requirements

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)

Spacing
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
over 40 ft. (12 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored