This week's Plant of the Week is Castanea mollisima, Chinese Chestnut, which you will find in bloom this week. Castanea mollisima is a medium sized, deciduous tree which may reach a height and spread of 25' or so after about 15 years. Native to Northern China and Korea, it seems to be quite happy in the Okanagan and is relatively drought tolerant once established. It is quite a striking looking tree, particularly when in bloom. The long white tassel like flowers in July, go on to form edible fruit (chestnuts) in September - October.
