Chinese Chestnut
Castanea mollissima
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is a deciduous tree native to Illinois that blooms in June and July. This medium-water tree attracts bees and beetles with its fragrant flowers.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Chinese Chestnut as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
288"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
IL
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Chinese chestnut is a medium to large deciduous tree that produces edible nuts and fragrant white flower clusters in early summer. It develops a broad, rounded crown and can serve as an excellent shade tree for larger properties.
Growing Chinese Chestnut
Grow Chinese Chestnut in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 288 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chinese Chestnut takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very large mature size may violate size restrictions
- Nut drop creates maintenance issues
Wildlife value
The fragrant summer blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. The nuts provide food for squirrels and other wildlife.
Common questions
- When does Chinese Chestnut bloom?
- Chinese Chestnut blooms during June and July, producing fragrant catkin flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Chinese Chestnut?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Chinese Chestnut flowers during the summer blooming period.
- Where is Chinese Chestnut native?
- Chinese Chestnut is documented as native to Illinois, though it was originally introduced from Asia and has naturalized in some regions.
- What growing conditions does Chinese Chestnut prefer?
- Chinese Chestnut grows best in full sun with medium water requirements, though it can tolerate a range of light and moisture conditions once established.
- Is Chinese Chestnut toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chinese Chestnut as toxic to livestock.
- Is Chinese Chestnut HOA-friendly?
- Chinese Chestnut takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chinese Chestnut? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz