Home and Landscape
Chestnut
- Castanea spp.
- Family Fagaceae (Beech family)
Plant Identification
Chinese chestnut, Castanea mollissima, and Spanish chestnut, C. sativa, are two chestnut species grown in the west. Both are large deciduous trees growing 40 to 60 feet tall. Two or more trees are required for cross-pollination to produce nuts. Litter, size, and pollen smell may make the trees unsuitable for most landscape situations.
Optimum conditions for growth
Chestnuts do best in full sun and in deep soils. Both species are intolerant of alkaline soils. They require occasional deep irrigation and plenty of space.
