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Plant Identification Learning Module:
Fruits & Nuts

Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima)

The Chinese chestnut tree reaches a height and spread of about 40 feet. Leaves are large, broad, pointed, with wavy margins. The flowers are yellow to white/cream/gray. Chestnuts develop inside a green, spiny husk which turns brown and separates at maturity to reveal two or more nuts. The nuts are 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and nearly round but flattened on one or both sides. The shell is thin, dark, leathery and shiny except for the large, roughened scar at one end. The nut is whitish inside a light tan, somewhat fuzzy seed coat. Chestnuts are grown in North Florida.