American Chestnut
FamilyFagaceae
Max Height30 m
RangeE. North America
HabitatDeciduous forests
About the American Chestnut
Once 4 billion trees — 25% of Appalachian forest. Chestnut blight introduced 1904 killed virtually all by 1950. Roots survive, sending up sprouts that die after 5-10 years. Breeding blight-resistant trees for decades. The redwood of the east.
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