Nursery / Tree
Castanea spp.

Chestnut Tree

Blight-resistant hybrid chestnuts bred to survive where the American chestnut once dominated Eastern forests - a genuine long-term nut crop for a property with room to grow.

Chestnut Tree

The American chestnut was functionally wiped out by chestnut blight in the early 20th century, and most of what survives today in the wild are stump sprouts that die back before reaching nut-bearing maturity. We grow blight-resistant hybrid selections, crosses that carry the resistance genetics of Chinese or Japanese chestnut while retaining much of the growth habit and nut quality people associate with the native tree.

This is a tree for people thinking in decades, not seasons. A young tree can begin producing within 5-7 years, but a mature chestnut is a genuine legacy planting, one that will still be producing heavily long after the person who planted it is gone.

Common questions

Before you plant.

  • Is this the same as the American chestnut that used to dominate Eastern forests?It carries some of that genetic lineage, but as a blight-resistant hybrid, not a pure American chestnut. The straight species is not viably plantable as a producing tree due to blight.
  • Do I need two trees?Yes. Chestnut requires a second, genetically distinct variety nearby for reliable pollination.
  • How long until it produces nuts?Early, modest production can begin around 5-7 years, with full production taking considerably longer as the tree matures.
  • How much space does it need?A lot - this is a full-size shade tree at 40-60 feet mature height. Site it well away from structures and property lines.
  • Are the nuts like the ones sold roasted in winter?Yes, sweet chestnuts for roasting, soups and flour. They should be cooked before eating.
  • How much space does a pair need?Plan roughly 30 to 40 feet between trees, with open sky above for full sun.

    • Planting & Growing Information

    Ships as
    Rooted cutting, 1-gallon, 3-gallon
    Hardiness zone
    4-8
    Mature height
    40-60 ft
    Water needs
    Moderate, consistent moisture while establishing
    Sun / shade
    Full sun
    Bloom season
    Early summer, distinctive catkin flowers
    Care
    Minimal once established, needs space to reach mature size
    Attributes
    Blight resistant, requires a second variety for pollination, long-lived
    Ships to
    Most US states. We do not currently ship live plants to California, Arizona, Hawaii, or Florida due to state agricultural restrictions. Local pickup is available in Great Falls, Virginia.
    Plants that pair well

    Good company
    for your chestnut tree.

    Pecan Tree
    Pecan Tree
    A similarly long-term nut tree for a mixed nut orchard planting.
    Oak Tree
    Oak Tree
    Native canopy companion for a large-scale, multi-generational planting.
    Pawpaw Tree
    Pawpaw Tree
    A shade-tolerant understory tree for the early years while chestnut canopy fills in.
    Blight-resistant chestnut

    A legacy nut tree
    for people who plan ahead.

    The American chestnut once made up a large share of Eastern hardwood forests, until chestnut blight arrived in the early 1900s and killed billions of trees. The wild survivors today are mostly root sprouts that die back before they bear.

    Blight-resistant hybrids carry resistance from Asian chestnut species while keeping a productive, upright habit and sweet nuts. They are the practical way to grow chestnuts again.

    Chestnuts are a real staple crop, starchy rather than oily, and a mature tree can produce a substantial harvest every fall for generations.

    • Blight-resistant hybridsCrosses carrying Asian chestnut resistance, bred for nut production.
    • Pollination pairsChestnuts need a second, unrelated tree; we sell in pairs.
    • Rooted cuttings and containersFrom a starter planting to a larger container tree.
    • Current stockInventory varies by season and batch. Contact us to confirm what is available now, and in what size.

    What to know before you buy

    Plant at least two trees within about 100 feet of each other. Chestnuts are wind-pollinated and do not set nuts alone.

    This is a full-size tree, 40 to 60 feet at maturity. Site it well away from buildings, driveways and septic fields.

    Chestnuts want well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They struggle in heavy, wet clay.

    Nuts drop in spiny burs in early fall. Gather them promptly, before squirrels and deer do.

    Sizes and formats

    What we ship.

    Plants ship in the dormant seasons, late fall and early spring, with local pickup in Great Falls. Availability changes by batch, so ask if you need a particular size.

    Chestnut Tree
    Chestnut Tree
    Castanea hybrids
    Blight-resistant hybrid chestnut for a long-term nut crop. Sold in pairs for pollination.
    Food bearingTree
    Available as: rooted cutting, 1-gallon, 3-gallon
    Wholesale and bulk

    Planting at scale.

    We supply landscapers, nurseries, farms and larger residential projects with chestnut tree in quantity. Stock is seasonal and limited, so get in touch ahead of your planting window and we will plan around your order.

    Ask about wholesale →
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    Planning an orchard, guild or garden around this plant? An on-site consult in the DC area starts at $250, a written Remote Strategy at $1,500, or start small with a free guide.