Castanea crenata aka Japanese Chestnut

Castanea crenata, or Japanese chestnut, belongs to the beech family. It grows in Japan and Korea, including foothill sites. This deciduous tree sheds its leaves each year. Garden trees reach 30–40 feet [9.1–12.2 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Low branches support a broad, rounded, open crown. Its form makes it suited to lawns and woodland gardens.

The dark green leaves are long, narrow, and toothed. They have fine hairs on their lower sides. Each leaf measures about three to seven inches long. In fall, the leaves turn shades of yellow and bronze. The flowers range from white to yellowish white. They bloom from May to June and add seasonal interest. The large, edible nuts also stand out on the tree. Their size and eating quality can vary a great deal.

Grow Japanese chestnut in full sun and moist, deep loam. The soil should drain well rather than hold standing water. The tree tolerates summer heat and humid air. Once established, it can also cope with dry conditions. Its listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 4–8. Plant more than one tree when nuts are a goal. A lone tree has little ability to fertilize itself. Cross-pollination between trees can lead to a much larger crop.

Japanese chestnut serves as a shade tree or lawn specimen. Its broad crown also suits the canopy of a woodland garden. Fallen nuts can create a large amount of litter. They can make barefoot walking on the lawn unpleasant. The tree resists chestnut blight but can still catch it. This fungal disease attacks bark and can kill the tree. Leaf spot and anthracnose are other possible problems. Cankers can affect both twigs and stems. Weevils may cause trouble in some areas.

The seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or roasted. They provide starch and can serve in place of potatoes. Their flavor can be poor, with bitterness from tannins. Boiling them in salted water can reduce their astringency. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That report does not establish safety for every use. The bark, leaves, wood, and seed husks contain tannins. The wood is hard, strong, light, and durable. Uses include furniture, building work, and fence posts.