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Chinese Chestnut
Chinese Chestnut botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Chinese Chestnut

Castanea mollissima
In the United States: Introduced

Honeybees forage heavily on the fragrant catkins for abundant nectar and pollen, yielding a dark, robust monofloral honey prized for its flavor. Peak bloom aligns with early summer in temperate zones, providing a reliable mid-season flow. Trees thrive in well-drained soils and full sun but benefit from cross-pollination for optimal nut production and may require protection from deer on young growth.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) June–July
Duration~2 weeks
TypePerennial
Sunfull
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