Plant Profiles: Chestnut

Chestnut:

            General info: Chestnut trees (Castanea) are the most important tree in American history. They were prized for their nuts as well as their wood. During the Great Depression, millions of acres of Chestnut forests were destroyed by a severe blight. Today, a new, blight-resistant cultivar is available to begin re-establishing trees and orchards across America.

Chestnuts are delicious and healthy (low in fat, and similar nutritionally to wheat and brown rice) and are excellent when roasted or steamed. The trees can grow up to 80’ tall and are long lived.

            Landscape uses: Shade tree

            Ornamental qualities: Blossoms in spring; glossy green leaves

            Planting: Plant two trees for cross-pollination. Plant in full sun and well drained soil.

           

            Pruning: If the central leader becomes too dominant, prune to encourage branching. Thin any dead or diseased branches as needed.

           

            Fertilizing/Watering: Fertilize in spring and summer.

Varieties:

            Dunstan: Best and most widely planted variety in America. Blight-resistant. Upright growth form with spreading branches. Large, glossy green leaves and cream-colored blooms. Begin to bear in 2-4 years. 60-80’ tall, 30-40’ wide.