Castanea seguinii aka Seguin's Chestnut

Castanea seguinii is a deciduous shrub or tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. Its names include Chinese dwarf chestnut and Sequin's chestnut. It comes from central and eastern China, where it grows in forests and thickets. Its native sites lie at heights of about 1,310–6,560 feet [400–2,000 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Its size varies from a shrub to a small tree. Shrubby plants may reach about 13 feet [4 metres]. One account gives a height of 33 feet [10 metres]. Rare trees reach about 39 feet [12 metres]. It grows at a moderate rate and sheds its leaves each year. Its small stature makes it useful in chestnut breeding. Breeders also value its heavy seed crops from a young age. It has a place in woodland gardens and sometimes grows as a food crop in China.

The plant flowers in July, and its seeds ripen in October. Each plant bears separate male and female flowers. Insects carry the pollen between flowers. Each bur holds three seeds. The seeds are small but have a good flavour. People eat them raw or cooked. Raw seeds can taste sharp and drying, mainly with the inner skin intact. Cooking makes them sweeter and gives them a floury texture. Baked seeds can serve as a starchy food, much like potatoes or grain.

Grow it in sun rather than shade. It prefers a well-drained loam with a slightly acid pH. It also grows in sandy or clay soils. Poor, very acid sand need not rule it out. It accepts dry or moist soil and withstands drought once established. It dislikes chalky soil, though it can grow on some hard limestone. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. It also gives a UK zone rating of 6, without using the RHS H scale.

The bark, leaves, wood and seed husks contain tannin. Its hard, strong, light wood has uses such as fence posts. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. It also reports no weed potential. Fresh seed offers a way to raise new plants. Seed soon loses its ability to sprout and must not dry out. Mice and squirrels can eat sown seed, so it needs protection. Germination should take place in late winter or early spring.