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American Chestnut

American Chestnut

American Chestnut

Castanea Dentata

The American Chestnut once dominated the forest landscape of the eastern Unites States providing an abundance of food and lumber. The chestnut blight pathogen introduced from Asia 100 years ago decimated the species. A few large trees remain in unaffected locations. The nuts were a staple food for people of generations past. Male and female flowers are on the same tree and insect pollinated. Two or more trees should be planted nearby to ensure good seed production through cross pollination. Planting in New Brunswick, outside the natural range, may improve the chance of survival due to the possible absence of the chestnut blight pathogen.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to North America

Height

Large (60-100ft)

Width

Wide

Form

Broad, Round

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Long (over 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

4, 5

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Dry

Other Tolerances

Occasional Drought

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Ornamental Interest

Form

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Large Mammals (fruits/seeds), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood), Edible (seed)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Prone to Wind Damage, Risk of Premature Death