TREASURE TREES

#086 Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima)

This property has been in the same family since 1965, and the Chinese Chestnut was planted in 1971 when it was 10 feet tall. The father of the property’s current resident worked for Duke Power as a forestry lead at the time and knew of the blight threatening American Chestnut trees, so he ordered a Chinese Chestnut, which was blight resistant. This tree is the centerpiece of the backyard and is surrounded by bird feeders and gardens. The owner has also made a diagram of the stages of the chestnuts to show guests who have interest in the tree.

Statistics (1997/2020)

  • Circumference (In.): 96"/137"
  • Height (Ft.): 59'/63"
  • Avg. Crown Spread (Ft.): 57'/81'
  • Total Points: 169/220

More Information

  • Nominated By: Sarah Hermelink
  • Year Added: 1997
  • Owned By: Daniel and Edith Rowe
  • Current condition: Good
  • Neighborhood: Lansdowne
  • Property Type: Private Home
  • Nearest Address: Private Property
  • Ecological Value: Chinese Chestnuts produce nuts that attract wildlife, although they aren’t as sweet as American Chestnuts. This Chestnut variety is appealing because of its resistance to the Chestnut blight, a fungus that wiped out American Chestnuts.
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