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Summary

Bloom Color: White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.

Physical Characteristics

Castanea_mollissima is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. bungeana. C. duclouxii. C. hupehensis.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[46, 61, 63, 105]. Eaten raw, there is a distinct astringency, especially if the fleshy inner skin beneath the outer shell of the seed is not removed[K]. When cooked, however, and especially when baked, the seed becomes much sweeter and has a floury texture[K]. It then makes an excellent food and can be used as a staple food in much the same way as potatoes or cereals[K]. The skin (or pellicle) of the seed is easily peeled[183]. The seed is low in fats and oils but high in carbohydrates[183]. A nutritional analysis is available[218].

References More on Edible Uses

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Seed (Dry weight)

403 Calories per 100g
Water : 0%
Protein: 11.9g; Fat: 2.7g; Carbohydrate: 83.2g; Fibre: 2.2g; Ash: 0g;
Minerals - Calcium: 36mg; Phosphorus: 0mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
Vitamins - A: 168mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.29mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.32mg; Niacin: 1.44mg; B6: 0mg; C: 65mg;
Reference: [ 218]
Notes:

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The burrs (seed cases?) are rich in tannin and are astringent and stomachic[147, 218]. A decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, uncontrollable nose bleed, dysentery, regurgitation and profound thirst[147]. The flowers are used in the treatment of scrofula[218]. The stem bark is used to treat poisoned wounds whilst the stem sap is used to treat lacquer poisoning[218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The bark, leaves, wood and seed husks all contain tannin. Wood - hard, strong, light. Used for fence posts etc[11]. Coppiced for fuel.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good well-drained slightly acid loam but succeeds in dry soils[1, 11, 200]. Once established, it is very drought tolerant[1, 11, 200]. Very tolerant of highly acid, infertile dry sands[200]. Averse to calcareous soils but succeeds on harder limestones[11, 200]. Although very winter-hardy, this species does not do well in Britain, it only really thrives in areas with hot summers[200]. Does not fruit well in Britain[11, 200]. A tree in semi-shade at Kew in 1990 was 9 metres tall[K]. Extensively cultivated for its edible seed in China, and also much grown in America, there are a number of named varieties[117, 183, 200, 266]. Plants can fruit in 5 - 7 years from seed[117] and yields from mature trees are around 25 - 60 kilos per tree[160]. Resistant, but not immune, to blight[183], it is hybridized with C. dentata to try and find blight resistant cultivars with superior seeds[200]. A shallow rooted tree[160]. Responds well to coppicing[11, 109]. An excellent soil-enriching understorey in pine forests[200]. Flowers are produced on wood of the current year's growth[229]. Plants are fairly self-sterile[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a standard with a non-suckering single trunk [1-2].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - where possible sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a seed bed outdoors[78]. The seed must be protected from mice and squirrels. The seed has a short viability and must not be allowed to become dry. It can be stored in a cool place, such as the salad compartment of a fridge, for a few months if it is kept moist, but check regularly for signs of germination. The seed should germinate in late winter or early spring. If sown in an outdoor seedbed, the plants can be left in situ for 1 - 2 years before planting them out in their permanent positions. If grown in pots, the plants can be put out into their permanent positions in the summer or autumn, making sure to give them some protection from the cold in their first winter[K].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Castanea mollissima	Chinese Chestnut	Tree	25.0	4-8	M	LMH	SN	DM	3	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Castanea_mollissima - Blume.