American Chestnut
Castanea dentata · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Nut, Forest, Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Wild)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-8
About This Tree
Once the king of the eastern forests, this tree features a large, spreading canopy and straight trunk. Due to chestnut blight, most now exist as shrub-like sprouts from old root systems, but mature specimens are tall and majestic with dense foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, 5-8 inches long; oblong-lanceolate shape with sharply pointed teeth (dentate) along the margins; dark green above, paler beneath; turns yellow-gold in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Young bark is smooth and dark grayish-brown; matures into thick, deeply furrowed bark with long, flat-topped ridges often arranged in a spiral pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern United States and Canada (Appalachian Mountains)
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (May); flowers in early summer (June/July); fruits ripen in fall; dormant in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best nut production; prefers well-drained, acidic loamy soils; moderate water needs; intolerant of wet feet.
Mature Size
Historically 60-100 feet tall with a 60-80 foot spread; modern blighted specimens often only reach 15-20 feet before dying back.
Special Characteristics
Famous for high-quality timber and sweet, edible nuts; high tannin content; historically significant; currently the subject of intense restoration efforts to combat Cryphonectria parasitica.
Wildlife & Ecology
Keystone species; provides high-protein nuts for bears, deer, turkeys, and squirrels; supports a massive array of specialist insect species and pollinators during summer flowering.