Castanea mollissima, Chinese chestnut
August 2009
Castanea dentata, the American chestnut, was once queen of the Eastern deciduous forest. Its 100-foot straight trunk made it invaluable to the lumber industry. Its fruit was important as a food source to both man and animal. The American chestnut's demise came early in the 20th century in the form of a fungus called Endothia parasitica which spread rapidly through the tree's native range and wiped out almost the entire popularion within 50 years. All that's left of the American chestnut are a few stumps and root sprouts. The pathogen responsible for its demise is thought to have been brought into the country with the Chinese chestnut, Castanea mollissima. While this tree is still susceptible to the fungus, it has developed a resistance.
Even though it's somewhat responsible for the American chestnut's demise, the Chinese chestnut has become its replacement. It doesn't possess the grandeur of its American relative but it still has a useful place in the landscape. Growing very slowly to about 50 feet, it has a pleasing, rounded form. Its fruit, while some say is not as tasty as its American cousin, is still eaten and enjoyed. The nut is encased in a very prickly hull which splits open at maturity, making it easy for its seekers. This also is a consideration if you decide to plant this tree. If you enjoy walking around your garden in your bare feet, this probably is not the plant for you.
Foliage is a lustrous dark green, turning to shades of yellow and bronze in the fall; an attractive sight. Flowering is inconsequential and the tree is not known for this attribute.
If you decide you'd like to try a Chinese chestnut, it prefers a location in full sun with adequate moisture. It is known for its toughness, and it was once considered to be a good street tree. However, the prickly seed casing are problematic. This tree is best used for attracting wildlife. If you have a naturalistic garden where there is not a lot of foot traffic, try it. Both you and your wildlife friends will appreciate it.