The PA Chapter's tree breeding program requires new American trees to be crossed with maturing generations of hybrid trees.  American trees are also needed for our American orchards.  It is necessary to solicit the help of our members and volunteers across the Mid-Atlantic region to find American chestnut trees or groups of trees to supply pollen and nuts.  Field identification is part of the tree location program because there are several non-American species as well as many hybrids in existence.  To record and submit your tree information, a tree locator form is available on this site.

Classification of American Chestnuts for the Regional Breeding Program.

These classes help in the field selection and identification of the best breeding trees available for the American chestnut recovery program:

• Class A. All the physical characteristics indicate a classic American tree.
• Class B. There are a few deviations from American characteristics indicating some hybridization.  The deviations are minor and the tree may be used in the program if no Class A trees are available.
• Class C.  An American hybrid tree with too many deviations for the breeding program.
• Class D. A non-American chestnut tree. i.e. Chinese, Japanese, European, or chinquapin.

Field Identification of American Chestnut versus Chinese Chestnut trees.  The following descriptions are provided to help in a field identification only.  For a detailed analysis of the tree, please submit a twig and leaf sample as described on the locator form to the PA Chapter.

The Chinese chestnut tree is used in this comparison because its prevalence and availability throughout the American chestnut range.

Leaf, Stem and Bud Characteristics: Although characteristics tend to vary from tree to tree and even within a tree, the following traits are helpful in identifying the tree species.

The Leaves of the American chestnut are canoe shaped with a moderate to narrow pointed leaf tip and a moderate to narrow wedge shape at the petiole (leaf stem). The Chinese tends to be more rounded at these angles.  The American leaf is usually longer and narrower, about 5" to 10" long and 2" to 3" wide.  The top surface of the American is flat, not glossy while the Chinese is very glossy and dark green.  The American leaf is thin and willowy almost  paper like and the Chinese is thick and rather stiff.  The serrate teeth of the American are large and tend to turn inward while the Chinese are rather unpronounced as seen below.

The stems are different in color with the American twig grey/green in summer and red/brown in winter.  The Chinese stem is yellow to olive green.  The lenticels ( white spots on the stem) are very small on the American and large on the Chinese.  The buds of the American turn out, away from the stem and are cylindrical in shape.  The Chinese buds are fat and globular and lie close to the stem.

The structure of the American tree shows a straight timber type trunk with very little branching below the crown.  The Chinese chestnut tree resembles the growth of an apple tree with multiple branches and no central leader stem.  The Chinese, however may grow more straight in a forest environment.

There are several more resources available to help you identify chestnuts. Click on this link to go to the Chestnut Grower's field guide