Castanea dentata aka American Chestnut

Castanea dentata, or American chestnut, belongs to the beech family. Its native range spans eastern Canada and the eastern United States. It once formed a large part of eastern hardwood forests. This deciduous tree grows a broad, rounded crown with spreading limbs. Mature trees reach 50–75 feet [15.24–22.86 metres] tall and wide. Some trees reach or exceed 100 feet [30.48 metres] in height. Today, many survive as shoots from old roots and stumps. These shoots often stay below 20 feet [6.10 metres].

The light gray bark has broad ridges that may twist around the trunk. Smooth twigs range from brown to orange-brown or reddish brown. Small white lenticels dot their surface, and the buds are smooth. The dark green leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Each simple leaf has a long shape and coarse teeth. Bristly tips end the teeth along the leaf edge. The leaves turn yellow or gold before they fall.

Pale yellow-white flowers appear in June and July. Male flowers grow in long catkins, while female flowers are less showy. The female flowers sit near the base of male catkins. Spiny burrs hold two or three brown nuts each. These cases open near the first frost. Nuts fall in September and October and feed many wild animals. Deer, turkeys, and squirrels eat them. The tree also hosts butterfly larvae and can cast broad shade.

American chestnut grows best in moist loam that drains well. It prefers acid soil and full sun, but accepts some shade. It also grows in clay and shallow, rocky soils. The tree tolerates heat and drought, though garden sources list medium water needs. Most sources give USDA zones 5–8; Oregon State reports hardiness to zone 4. Its growth rate is moderate, but its care needs are high. Chestnut blight kills stems, though roots may send up new shoots. Shoots may flower and bear nuts before blight kills them again. Sources advise against planting the species as a home landscape tree. Other problems include leaf spots, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Aphids, gall wasps, borers, and weevils may also attack it.

People can eat the sweet nuts raw or cooked. Dried nuts yield flour, and the seeds also provide oil. The wood resists decay and has served in building and fence posts. Bark provides tannin and brown dye. ASPCA lists the species as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.