Chinese Chestnut
Castanea mollissima
- Native to:
- China, Korea
Zhangzhugang
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Castanea
- Species:
- Castanea mollissima
- USDA Symbol:
- CAMO83
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1800 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Confused Morrisonia (Morrisonia confusa), Phyllonorycter kearfottella, Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), spotted oakworm moth (Anisota stigma)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, squirrels, deer, wild turkey, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow, bronze
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds lose viability quickly if allowed to dry; store in moist medium at 33-40°F. Plant nuts 1-2 inches deep.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI