American Chestnut

(Castanea dentata)

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Castanea dentata, commonly known as American Chestnut, is a rapidly growing deciduous tree historically native to a range of habitats including mixed hardwood forests, Appalachian mountain regions, and well-drained slopes in the Eastern United States. It was once a dominant species in its range, reaching up to 30 meters (98 ft) in height and 3 meters (9.8 ft) in circumference. The American Chestnut is known for its straight trunk, broad crown, and long, toothed leaves. Its flowers are less showy, with long, slender catkins that appear in the summer. The nuts are highly valued for their flavor and were a significant food source for wildlife and humans. The bark is dark and furrowed, and the tree produces spiny, green burs that contain the edible chestnuts, usually three per burr, lined in tan velvet.

The American Chestnut is prized for its rapid growth and its ability to produce large quantities of nuts. It is used in reforestation projects and occasionally in large gardens or parks, though its susceptibility to chestnut blight has greatly reduced its presence. In cultivation, it requires full sun, medium amounts of water, and well-drained, acidic soils. While the species is not commonly planted due to the blight, ongoing efforts in hybridization and genetic modification aim to restore this tree to its former range. The blight, caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, remains a significant problem, and care should be taken to plant blight-resistant varieties where possible.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-75 feet
  • Width: 50-75 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant

Natural Habitat

Historically native to mixed hardwood forests, Appalachian mountain regions, and well-drained slopes in the Eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Toothed Chestnut, American Sweet Chestnut, Amerikanische Kastanie, Châtaignier D’Amérique, Amerikansk Kastanj

Scientific Names: , Castanea dentata, Castanea americana, Castanea sativa var. americana, Fagus castanea var. dentata, Castanea vesca var. americana, Castanea americana var. angustifolia, Castanea americana var. latifolia, Castanea sativa var. pendulifolia, Castanea vesca var. denuda

GBIF Accepted Name: Castanea dentata (Marshall) Borkh.