Images of the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)

American Chestnut

Castanea dentata

This species is native to eastern North America. However, few mature trees remain in forests after the 1930 introduction of a fungus that caused the chestnut blight. This species can be identified by large, widely-spaced teeth along the margins of the leaves. Roasted chestnuts of this species are still sold as snacks, most often during winter holidays.

Habitat:Moist uplands.

Growth Habit:Formerly to 30 m, now typically found only as sprouts from stumps because of chestnut blight.

Bloom Time:Early summer.

Longevity:Tree dies when less than 6 m tall due to chestnut blight.

Presence in US:AL CT DC DE FL GA IA IL IN KY LA MA MD ME MI MO MS NC NH NJ NY OH PA RI SC TN VA VT WI WV

Presence in Canada:ON

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).