Inter- and intra-specific competitiveness of plantation-grown American chestnut (Castanea dentata)

► Competitiveness of American chestnut in varying species mixtures was studied for 5 years. ► Cherry and oak grew faster than chestnut at 2 × 2 m and 3 × 3 m, but similarly at 1 × 1 m. ► Relative growth rate was generally proportional to net photosynthesis (A). ► Higher leaf water potential of chestnut in year 4 suggests greater drought tolerance. ► An intermediate spacing between 1 × 1 m and 2 × 2 m may optimize chestnut development.