Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut Tree Seeds (Castanea crenata var. Silverleaf)
Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut Tree Seeds (Castanea crenata var. Silverleaf)
Ornamental, productive, and strikingly unique.
Castanea crenata var. Silverleaf, the Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut, is a rare and beautiful variety prized for both form and function. Its green leaves with shimmering silver undersides catch the sunlight in motion, creating a luminous, dynamic canopy. Beyond its visual appeal, this chestnut produces reliable harvests of sweet, mild-flavored nuts—making it a perfect choice for food forests, orchards, and elegant landscapes alike.
- Distinctive silver-backed leaves create a unique ornamental effect
- Produces medium-sized, flavorful chestnuts ideal for roasting or baking
- Resistant to many common chestnut diseases and adaptable to varied soils
- Combines beauty, productivity, and long-term landscape value
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Castanea crenata var. Silverleaf
Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 5–8
Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained loam; tolerates sandy and slightly acidic soils
Light: Full sun
Height: 30–50 feet
Spread: 25–40 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 feet per year)
Lifespan: 50–150 years
Plant Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut for a rare balance of ornamental beauty and practical harvest—a stunning addition to homesteads, food forests, or curated landscapes.
FAQ
How is Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut different from other varieties?
This variety is distinguished by its silver-backed foliage and reliable nut yields, combining ornamental appeal with productive value in the landscape.
Is Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut disease-resistant?
Yes. It has strong natural resistance to several chestnut diseases, including many blights that affect American varieties.
Can Silverleaf Japanese Chestnut grow in cooler regions?
It performs best in Zones 5–8, tolerating moderate cold and thriving in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil.
Related Seeds
- Chinese Chestnut Tree Seeds — Blight-resistant, high-yield nut tree for wildlife and harvest
- Dunstan Chestnut Tree Seeds — Hybrid variety known for large, sweet nuts
- Bouche de Bétizac Chestnut Tree Seeds — Premium European hybrid with high nut production
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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