Castanea henryi

Castanea henryi is a deciduous tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. Its common names include Henry's chestnut and Chinese chinquapin. It comes from China, including southern and southwestern regions. In the wild, it grows on slopes in mixed forests. Its mountain habitats reach about 5,900 feet [1,800 metres]. Growers use it for nuts, timber, and woodland planting.

This slow-growing tree has an upright form. It can reach 90 feet [27.4 metres], though growth varies with climate. In Britain, it grows slowly and may stay shrub-sized. One Kew plant stood just 10 feet [3 metres] tall. Young shoots are dark and smooth. The green leaves grow alternately along the stems. They have toothed edges and a rough feel. Their shapes range from narrow and pointed to broad and oblong. Small, yellow-brown glands mark the blades. A few hairs lie along veins beneath the leaves.

Fragrant white flowers appear in July on the year's new shoots. Insects pollinate them, and the tree is self-fertile. Spiny green burrs follow the flowers and stay until autumn. They drop and split open, releasing nuts that ripen in October. Deer and squirrels eat the nuts. Uneaten seeds can sprout beneath the tree. People can eat the seeds raw or cooked. Raw seeds taste astringent, most so with the inner skin intact. Baking makes them sweeter and gives them a flour-like texture. They can serve as a starchy staple food.

The tree grows in full sun or shade beneath an open canopy. It prefers acidic loam that drains well. It also accepts neutral soil, clay, and sand. Established trees withstand drought, poor soil, and hot summers. Cold winters and hot summers help it grow well. Without enough summer heat, its wood may fail to mature. Frost can then cause damage. North Carolina State lists it for USDA zones 5–9. Woodland sites and edible gardens suit its uses.

Aphids, whiteflies, phylloxerans, and leafhoppers may cause minor trouble. Chestnut blight can occur, though sources report strong resistance. The bark, leaves, wood, and seed husks contain tannin. People also value the wood for local building work. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That hazard note does not establish safety for pets.