Before I get all excited I wanted to ask the experts here. This tree is only a mile from my house. This weekend I stopped to investigate it for the first time. I have always noticed the long attractive blooms in the spring and wondered what it is. This weekend I saw something on the ground and decided to investigate.
It is a large tree, right next to the highway--Here it is on the right, next to the power line.
Here is one of the unripe burrs.
Additional view:
More likely to be a Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima).
Look for hairiness/pubescence on the new stems, buds, and petioles - as well as on the underside of the leaves and on the veins. Your last image above seems to show these traits.
Ditto to Chinese Chestnut
Resin
Thanks!
I didn't realize that the Chinese Chestnut was naturalized in the Southeastern US--have learned something now that I know what it is and have been able to do some reading.
I don't think I would plant this tree--the nuts were starchy tasting and the burrs would make yard cleanup quite an unpleasant ordeal! I would much rather have a nice pecan tree.
The nuts are best gently roasted, try them that way.
Resin
