Homestead Chinese Chestnut

Click here for Chestnut Care Guide

Castanea mollissima - Homestead

Due to restrictions Chestnut can not be shipped to CA

A hardy, blight-resistant selection of Chinese chestnut well-suited for nut production and wildlife support.

The Homestead Chinese Chestnut is a reliable cultivar prized for its cold-hardiness, heavy nut production, and resistance to chestnut blight. Excellent for human consumption and as a wildlife food source, it performs best when planted near another Chinese chestnut variety for cross-pollination. 

Zone 5-8, needs pollinator.

Key Features

• Blight-Resistant – Selected for its resistance to the devastating chestnut blight.
• Cold-Hardy – Withstands cold winters, though late frosts may affect terminal buds.
• High Yield – Produces abundant, calorie-rich nuts great for roasting, baking, or making flour.
• Wildlife Friendly – Nuts are highly attractive to turkeys, deer, jays, and other native wildlife.
• Landscape Appeal – Attractive foliage and showy catkins add ornamental value.

Pollination

Requires a different Chinese chestnut cultivar for good nut set. Not self-fertile. Plant within 50–75 feet of another variety.

Growing Information

• Soil – Prefers well-drained, rich, acidic soil (pH ~5.5).
• Sunlight – Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
• Watering – Moderate water needs. Keep well-watered during establishment and dry periods.
• Mature Size – Up to 50' tall with a 40' spread.
• Fruit – Nuts encased in spiny, sea-urchin-like pods. Avoid planting near walkways or patios.

Uses

• Human Consumption – Nuts are sweet and starchy; excellent for fresh eating, roasting, and cooking.
• Wildlife Habitat – Provides fall mast for birds and mammals.
• Edible Landscaping – Handsome shade tree with year-round appeal.