American chestnut

The American chestnut was once a dominant deciduous tree in eastern North America, valued for its fast growth, tall stature, and valuable timber and nuts. However, a devastating blight fungus introduced in the early 20th century nearly eradicated it, killing millions of mature trees and drastically reducing its population. Conservation efforts aim to restore the species through breeding resistant trees and genetic research, preserving its ecological and cultural significance. Today, the American chestnut symbolizes ecological resilience and ongoing efforts to recover native North American hardwood forests.