American chestnut tree

The American chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) was once a dominant species in eastern North America, known for its large, straight trunk and edible nuts. It thrived in forests but faced near extinction in the early 20th century due to a blight caused by a fungal disease, introduced from Asia. This decimated chestnut populations, fundamentally altering forest ecosystems. Conservation efforts and breeding programs are now underway to restore this tree, combining genetic research with traditional methods to develop blight-resistant varieties, aiming to bring back a vital part of America's natural heritage.