Dunstan Chestnut Trees (Castanea dentata x Castanea mollissima) are prized for their fast growth, prolific nut production, and exceptional resistance to chestnut blight. A hybrid of American and Chinese chestnuts, Dunstan Chestnuts combine the robust, upright form and cold hardiness of the American chestnut with the disease resistance of the Chinese variety—making them one of the best choices for reintroducing chestnuts into North American landscapes. These deciduous trees produce large, sweet, easy-to-peel nuts that are ideal for roasting, baking, or feeding wildlife. Dunstan Chestnut Trees grow rapidly—up to 2 to 4 feet per year—and can reach 40 to 60 feet at maturity, creating an impressive canopy of glossy, serrated green leaves that turn golden in fall. They begin bearing nuts in just 3 to 5 years and require at least two trees for cross-pollination and optimal nut yield. Perfect for orchards, food plots, edible landscapes, and homesteads, these trees support native wildlife, including deer, turkey, and small mammals, while also offering a sustainable, low-maintenance food source. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, Dunstan Chestnuts thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Their resistance to blight makes them an excellent alternative to the now-rare American chestnut, and they perform well in both rural and suburban settings. Whether you're looking to plant for nut production, wildlife support, or restoration purposes, Dunstan Chestnut Trees offer beauty, productivity, and ecological value with lasting impact. Dunstan Chestnut Tree History Once beautiful and abundant, the American Chestnut Tree (Castanea dentata) covered vast tracts of land across the eastern United States for thousands of years. That is until a fungus (blight) from Asia decimated virtually every tree standing on North American soil. After nearly 70 years of absence, the American Chestnut is poised to make a comeback thanks to the Dunstan Chestnut. Dr. Robert T. Dunstan cross-pollinated American grafts with USDA Chinese chestnut selections. The result is a blight-resistant Chestnut Tree. This hardy tree is easy to grow and thrives in various areas. Chestnuts are the very best tree for wildlife. Their consistent yearly crop of large, sweet nuts (unlike oaks and other nuts that cycle between heavy and light-years) provides regular, high-quality food for deer, turkeys, squirrels, and bears. For a more in-depth history of the Chestnut Tree and a look into its future, be sure to check out our blog: What Happened To The Chestnut Tree?