Dunstan Hybrid American Chestnut

The Dunstan Chestnut is a blight-resistant hybrid of the classic American Chestnut and Chinese Chestnut, bred to restore the iconic species that once dominated Eastern forests. It produces large, sweet, edible nuts and grows into a majestic tree with broad, serrated leaves and a graceful form.

This hybrid retains much of the American Chestnut’s size, cold-hardiness, and beauty, while gaining resistance from the Chinese parent. It’s a valuable tree for food forests, nut production, wildlife support, and ecological restoration.

Latin Name: Castanea dentata x mollissima

Size at Maturity: 40–60 ft tall, 30–40 ft wide

USDA Zone: 5–9

Site & Soil: Prefers full sun and well-drained, loamy or sandy soil; not tolerant of poorly drained or heavy clay soils

Pests & Diseases: Resistant to chestnut blight; otherwise low-maintenance and hardy

Uses:

• Produces large, sweet nuts used for roasting, flour, or wildlife forage

• Excellent wildlife tree—nuts feed deer, turkeys, squirrels, and more

• Great for orchards, food forests, and homestead plantings

• Contributes to long-term restoration of American chestnut ecosystems

• Beautiful shade tree with golden fall color and strong, straight trunk

Growing Tips:

• Plant at least two trees for pollination and nut production

• Mulch young trees and water regularly during establishment

• Protect from deer browsing while young

• Begins bearing nuts in 3–5 years under good conditions

Fun Fact:
The original American Chestnut was nearly wiped out by blight in the 20th century. The Dunstan Chestnut is one of the most successful hybrids developed to bring it back—combining American form and flavor with Chinese blight resistance.