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American Chestnut

Castanea Dentata

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Overview

The American Chestnut, Castanea dentata, once a dominant hardwood in eastern forests, towers up to 100 ft with a broad crown. Tragically reduced by blight, this fast-growing tree features oblong, toothed leaves and produces spiny burs enclosing edible nuts. Thriving in well-drained soils across USDA zones 4-8, its majestic form and showy catkins make it a striking choice for spacious landscapes with full sunlight.

Sun FullWater Extra in Summer, Medium, Very LowZones 5–8Climate Temperate
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — once a dominant hardwood in eastern forests

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium, Very Low
USDA zones
5–8

Shape & size

Mature height
50–75 Ft.
Mature width
40–50 Ft.

Classification

Family
Fagaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (60)

American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — making it a suitable choice for larger landscapes that can accommodate its size; an adult tree can reach between 70 to
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — white and yellow flowers in the garden; the American Chestnut's extensive branch structure typically begins about 20
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — giving hope that this iconic species can regain its rightful place in the United States' woodlands; tragically reduced
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — Efforts to restore blight-resistant varieties continue, image 50
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — tree for full; giving hope that this iconic species can regain its rightful place in the United States' woodlands
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — once a dominant hardwood in eastern forests; this fast-growing tree features oblong, image 55
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — tree with white and yellow blooms; but are also an important source of nectar for native bees
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — towers up to 100 ft with a broad crown; providing generous shade.<br><br>Its deeply furrowed bark and oblong, image 56
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — this fast-growing tree features oblong; white and yellow flowers in the garden, image 58
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — Tragically reduced by blight; by late summer, the tree produces its notable spiny burs, each containing two, image 57
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — Thriving in well-drained soils across USDA zones 4-8; which are about 5 to 8 inches long, image 60
American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) — toothed leaves and produces spiny burs enclosing edible nuts, image 59

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