Chinese chestnut Castanea mollissima
Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Fagaceae family, native to China, Korea and Taiwan. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Chinese chestnut at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: nuts (roasted, boiled, flour) |
| Native to | China, Korea and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Chinese chestnut toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the spiny burs prick, and raw nuts are hard to digest.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese chestnut
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Chinese chestnut
- How far apart should I plant Chinese chestnut?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Chinese chestnut need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese chestnut need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese chestnut?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Chinese chestnut flower?
- From about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chinese chestnut poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the spiny burs prick, and raw nuts are hard to digest.
- What grows well with Chinese chestnut?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinese chestnut. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- The sweet roasting chestnut of China, resistant to chestnut blight; American breeders crossed it with American chestnut to bring that tree back. Plant two trees for cross-pollination.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra