Wild-Type American Chestnuts

What is a wild-type American chestnut?
A wild-type American chestnut is an American chestnut from natural populations in the native range of the species, as determined through phenotypic and/or genotypic analysis. Wild-type American chestnut has no expected level of blight resistance. 

 
 

TACF's Wild-Type American Chestnut Seedling Sale that takes place in March and is an exclusive member benefit. Bareroot seedlings are sold in a bundle of 10 and typically are 12" to 18" in height. The sale is accessed by a private link or by phone on the day of the sale.

This is a very popular program and the seedlings sell out quickly. In order to prevent the spread of contagions from the native range, including chestnut blight, Phytophthora, gall wasp, and other pests, no orders will be shipped to states west of the Mississippi. Orders will be mailed in early to mid-April.

2023 Pricing, includes shipping:
10 seedlings – $80.00

Proceeds from this program help fund research to restore the American chestnut.

Why plant wild-type American chestnut seedlings?

  • To preserve native germplasm, which preserves genetic diversity for future breeding
  • To learn about site viability and best practices for future restoration plantings
  • Growing the trees adds biodiversity to forests where other tree species are dying
  • When transgenic pollen becomes available and applied to wild-type seedlings, offspring can show blight tolerance
  • Some will live long enough to produce seeds for harvest and consumption for people and wildlife alike 
    • For viable seeds, two or more trees should be planted in close proximity

 

For guidance on planting American chestnut, please review TACF's planting fact sheet here.