American x Japanese
The American x Japanese chestnut trees are listed as a group rather than individual trees due to the similarity of the trees. The female parent of these trees is WV-1. It is an American tree that is partially resistant to chestnut blight and has produced many blight resistant hybrid chestnut trees. WV-1 grows in close proximity to 4 large Japanese chestnut trees of unknown origin. I have not met anyone that can give me a history of these trees. All trees are of large diameter, but top out at about 30 - 35 feet in height. The Japanese trees are very productive, producing large quantities of nuts yearly. The nuts are very similiar on all 4 trees and are of medium size.
The hybrid trees produced from this American x Japanese cross exhibit outstanding form and vigor. They resemble the American parent in regards to their upright growth pattern and timber form. However, as a general rule they are not as resistant to blight as the American x Chinese hybrids, although there are exceptions. The wood from the American x Japanese hybrids is very attractive and easy to work.
The nuts from these trees are of a small to medium size and seem to be consumed readily by the local wildlife.
Unique bark pattern on one of the American x Japanese hybrid trees.
Looking into the canopy of American x Japanese hybrids as the leaves are beginning to change colors.
Attractive and unique appearance of American x Japanese wood.
American x Japanese chestnut tree with burrs.
Straight grain of the American x Japanese hybrid which is typical of the American species.