Chestnut (American Revival)
Castanea dentata hybrid
A blight-resistant American chestnut hybrid that brings back the beloved native species through careful breeding with Chinese chestnut resistance. These trees produce sweet, flavorful nuts reminiscent of the original American chestnut while maintaining the disease tolerance needed for modern growing. American Revival represents hope for restoring this iconic tree to home landscapes and forests.
Harvest
120-150d
Days to harvest
Sun
kas-TAN-nee-uh den-TAY-ta
Zones
5–8
USDA hardiness
Height
50-75 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Chestnut (American Revival) in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 nut-tree →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Chestnut (American Revival) · Zones 5–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: kas-TAN-nee-uh den-TAY-ta. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 75 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 50 ft. 0 in. - 75 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: High. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is a 2-2.5 inch wide prickly burr that opens about first frost. 2-3 sweet, edible nuts then drop to the ground in September to October.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Nut. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Nuts from this species are edible.
History & Origin
Origin: E. Canada to N. Central & E. U.S.A
Advantages
- +Wildlife value: Larval host plant for butterflies
- +Edible: Nuts from this species are edible.
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Wild Ginger
Thrives in partial shade under chestnut canopy, helps retain soil moisture
Elderberry
Compatible understory shrub, attracts beneficial insects and provides wildlife food
Wild Bergamot
Native pollinator plant that attracts beneficial insects, tolerates partial shade
Ramps (Wild Leeks)
Woodland native that grows well under chestnut canopy, adds biodiversity
Serviceberry
Compatible native understory tree, provides early spring blooms for pollinators
Wild Columbine
Shade-tolerant native that attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects
Spicebush
Native shrub that supports wildlife and thrives in woodland conditions
Mayapple
Native groundcover that colonizes under tree canopy, prevents soil erosion
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill chestnut trees
Red Pine
Competes aggressively for nutrients and water, creates dense shade
Tree of Heaven
Invasive species that releases allelopathic chemicals and outcompetes natives
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170575)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to chestnut blight, good overall disease tolerance
Common Pests
Chestnut weevil, gall wasps, aphids, scale insects
Diseases
Ink disease, Phytophthora root rot, leaf spot