Chinese Chestnut
Castanea mollissima
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Chinese Chestnut fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.