Chinese chestnut
Quick Summary
The Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is an Asian species of chestnut tree known for its resistance to chestnut blight. Chestnuts belong to the genus Castanea and are deciduous trees native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These trees produce edible nuts enclosed in spiny burs. While the American chestnut (C. dentata) was nearly wiped out by blight, the Chinese chestnut remains a viable food source and ornamental tree. Other species, like the European and Japanese chestnuts, are also cultivated for their nuts.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
chestnutSpecies and usesThe Chinese chestnut (C. mollissima), usually less than 18 metres (about 60 feet) tall, grows at altitudes up to 2,440 metres (8,000 feet). The Japanese chestnut (C. crenata), a similar shrub or tree that may grow to 9 metres (30 feet) or more, is found at…
Read MoreThe Chinese chestnut (C. mollissima), usually less than 18 metres (about 60 feet) tall, grows at altitudes up to 2,440 metres (8,000 feet). The Japanese chestnut (C. crenata), a similar shrub or tree that may grow to 9 metres (30 feet) or more, is found at…
Read More
FagalesEconomic and ecological importanceThe European (Castanea sativa) and Chinese (C. mollissima) chestnuts are economically important crops, although susceptibility to the chestnut blight fungus has somewhat diminished production of C. sativa. In North America both C. dentata (American chestnut) and C. pumila (chinquapin) were used extensively by the native Indians for a variety of…
Read MoreThe European (Castanea sativa) and Chinese (C. mollissima) chestnuts are economically important crops, although susceptibility to the chestnut blight fungus has somewhat diminished production of C. sativa. In North America both C. dentata (American chestnut) and C. pumila (chinquapin) were used extensively by the native Indians for a variety of…
Read More