Castanea dentata
Common name: American Chestnut
Once this majestic monster was one of the most common forest trees in the eastern US with some trees well over 100 feet. Unfortunately, a blight has annihilated its numbers, and now a tree rarely lives to be taller than 40 feet in the wild. Our seed comes from an old farmer who seems to be far enough removed from the blight infection, and his trees are in the 60 feet range and getting bigger. These mature plants are one of the most magnificent things that I have ever seen. This plant is now rare in Illinois, but those remaining in the wild are found in a range of habitats.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Trees
Soil type
Dry Mesic, Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry)
Light exposure
Eastern Exposure / Morning Sun, Full Sun, Partial Sun / Part Shade
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Uncompacted Urban Soils, Requires Protected Site
Habitat
Savannas, Woodlands
Growth form
Single trunk
Growth rate
Moderate
Flower color
Green
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 50 Feet
- Mature width
- 40 Feet
- Max height
- 75 Feet
- Max width
- 50 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Edible fruit
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