American Chestnut - Castanea dentata

Phonetic: kas-TAN-nee-uh den-TAY-ta

Trees are unavailable for shipment

*Chestnut Blight can spread to Oaks, Red Maples, Sumac and Shagbark hickories. 

1 Gallon Pot- 2-2.5'

American chestnut was once one of the dominant and most ecologically important trees of the eastern North American forests. It thrives in full sun where moisture is moderate but drainage is good. The species is adaptable to a range of soil textures—from sandy to loamy—and was historically a key component of mixed hardwood forests. Although it can tolerate some shade in its youth, the American chestnut requires abundant sunlight to reach its full height and vigor as it matures.

The American chestnut is a Native Perennial tree that typically blooms in early to mid-summer, usually in June. It produces long, creamy-white catkins that contain both male and female flowers on the same tree. Pollination is primarily by wind, though insects, including bees, also visit the fragrant blossoms. By late summer to early fall, the female flowers develop into large, spiny burs that ripen and split open around October to reveal two to three shiny brown nuts. These nuts are nutrient-rich and were once a critical autumn food source for wildlife, as well as a valuable crop for humans.

Ecologically, American Chestnut played a keystone role in eastern deciduous forests before being devastated by the chestnut blight in the early 20th century. It is an important host plant for numerous species of butterfly and moth, such as the Luna Moth, American Dagger Moth and the Banded Hairstreak. Its abundant nuts sustained countless species, including bears, deer, squirrels, turkeys, and other birds. The tree’s flowers provided nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators, while its tall canopy and fast growth contributed to forest structure and soil enrichment through leaf litter. Even today, surviving root sprouts and restoration efforts continue to support local ecosystems, offering food and habitat where possible. 

• Hardiness Zone: 5-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun, 
• Flower Color: Yellow
• Bloom Time: June, July
• Soil Type: Medium, Medium Dry
• Mature Plant Size: 50-75'H, 50-75'W
• Plant Spacing: 30-40'
• Host Plant: Banded Hairstreak, Luna Moth, American Dagger Moth
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds
• Advantages: Drought Tolerant, Poor Soil Tolerant
• Landscape Uses: Borders
• Companion Plants: Spicebush, Elderberry, Christmas Fern, Blue Wild Indigo