The History of the American Chestnut Tree — and How Chestnuts Thrive in California

For centuries, the American chestnut tree reigned as the “redwood of the East.” Growing over 100 feet tall, these towering giants once covered nearly 200 million acres of the Appalachian forests. Their straight, rot-resistant trunks made them essential for building homes, barns, and furniture. More importantly, chestnuts themselves were a staple food — nourishing families, livestock, and wildlife alike. Every fall, the forests came alive with the harvest of sweet, nutritious nuts.

But in the early 1900s, disaster struck. A fungal disease called chestnut blight arrived on imported Asian trees. Within just a few decades, nearly four billion American chestnut trees were wiped out, transforming landscapes and livelihoods. By the mid-20th century, what was once a dominant tree had all but disappeared, leaving only stump sprouts clinging to survival in the forest understory.

Chestnuts Take Root in California

While the American chestnut nearly vanished in the East, California chestnuts were beginning to thrive. Immigrant farmers introduced European and Asian chestnut varieties to California in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These species were naturally resistant to the blight that destroyed the American chestnut and proved well-suited to California’s fertile soils and Mediterranean climate.

The Feather River Basin and Sierra foothills, with their rich river loam and crisp autumn seasons, provided ideal growing conditions. By the mid-20th century, family farms in Northern California were cultivating chestnuts for both local markets and holiday traditions. Unlike the wild American chestnut forests back East, California chestnut orchards were intentionally planted and carefully tended, keeping the legacy of chestnuts alive for future generations.

Continuing the Legacy with Harrison’s California Chestnuts

The orchard that now produces Harrison’s California Chestnuts was planted decades before it came into our care. In 2004, the Harrison family purchased the established orchard, and with that, the name Harrison’s California Chestnuts was born. Since then, our multi-generational family has worked the farm year-round, making the harvest a true family affair.

What began as a decades-old orchard became part of our family’s story — one rooted in sustainability, tradition, and a deep respect for the land. Each fall, our harvest connects today’s kitchens with centuries of chestnut tradition, from the lost giants of Appalachia to the thriving orchards of California.

Fresh, sweet, and sustainably grown, California chestnuts from Harrison’s are a true farm-to-table crop. We are proud to share fresh sweet chestnuts, shipped directly from our family orchard to homes across the country.

Celebrate the Season

Chestnuts have been part of autumn and holiday traditions for centuries, and today they’re still enjoyed roasted, baked, or incorporated into savory and sweet dishes. If you’ve been searching for the best way to experience this seasonal treat, you can buy chestnuts online directly from our farm.

Each fall, Harrison’s California Chestnuts ships nationwide, delivering the freshest farm to table chestnuts from our orchard to your kitchen.

👉 [Order Fresh Sweet Chestnuts Online]