American chestnut
Once-dominant eastern tree
American chestnut is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, once dominant in Appalachian forests before a fungal blight introduced around 1900 killed billions of trees within decades.
The species produced timber prized for rot resistance and nuts that fed both wildlife and people.
Efforts to breed blight-resistant varieties continue: Scientists are working to restore the American chestnut.
- forest canopyUpper woodland leaf layer
- forest floorGround beneath trees
- timber industryCommercial forest harvesting sector
- treeWoody perennial plant
- deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
genetic engineering · catkins · folk medicine · hybridization · split rail fence · hardwood · native species · old growth · wildlife habitat · burs · culinary traditions · breeding programs · serrated leaves · food source · monoecious · seed banks · biodiversity · carbon sequestration
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