Learn about the history of this important native tree and what is being done to save it
Several times a class someone sends me a photo of a tree diagram they believe to be an American chestnut tree ( Castanea dentata , Zones 4–8 ) . Frequently what they actually have send is a photograph of an Asian chestnut tree species or Allegheny chinquapin ( Castanea pumila , Zones 5–9 ) , another species native to the easterly United States . From time to time , I have seen the sprouts of a true American chestnut tree in the state of nature . American chestnuts have three nut per bur and canoe - shaped leafage with deeply toothed margins . Their buds are smooth , chocolate-brown , pointed , and unremarkably askew on the twig . However , the sprout I ’ve go out picket in compare to what once dominated our eastern forests . The American chestnut once thrived throughout the forests of the eastern United States , leaving its mark on both the landscape and lives of the people who populate the region . This tree played a of the essence role in the cultural , economical , and ecological tapis of the South and southeastern United States , making it an entire part of our region ’s history . Trees were immense , straight pillars like our native tulip trees ( Liriodendron tulipifera , Zones 4–9)—and on a massive scale ( from 50 to 100 feet marvellous ) . memorise more about the history of this magnificent mintage and the current United States Department of State of American chestnut tree conservation efforts here .
Before the introduction of blight , American chestnut tree diagram could grow as tall as 100 feet . Photo from Arthur H. Graves , “ The Future of the Chestnut Tree in North America,”Popular Science Monthly84 ( January – June 1914 ): 559,New York : Popular Science Pub . Co. , June 1914
Large chestnut tree ( named George Washington)—284 feet high , 52 substructure perimeter . Photo : Library of Congress , Creative Commons
The cultural importance of American chestnut trees
Long before Europeans arrived on the continent , Native American tribes cherished the American chestnut tree for its bountiful harvest . The chestnut tree provided a worthful source of food in the form of their nut , which were consumed wise , roast , or primer coat into flour .
With the arrival of European colonists , the grandness of American chestnut grew even more . The settler quick recognise the potency of American chestnut Tree . They utilized the wood for a variety of function , from building fence post to furniture . The nut became a valuable food source for settlers and their farm animals , particularly during the winter month when other crops were scarce .
The introduction of chestnut blight
In the early 1900s , a fungal pathogen known as chestnut tree blight ( Cryphonectria parasitica ) was accidentally introduced to the United States . The blight spread rapidly throughout the eastern North America , carry off the American chestnut population .
The passing of American chestnut trees had a unsounded impact on the refinement and ecology of the eastern United States . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree was not just a useful imagination but a symbolic representation of potency , resilience , and teemingness .
Additionally , the chestnut tree played a crucial role in the part ’s bionomics as a prevalent mintage , offer solid food and habitat for countless metal money . The loss of the chestnut tree cut off our forests , go to lasting changes in species composition and overall biodiversity .
Conservation efforts are still ongoing
exertion to keep up and mend the American chestnut tree are continue today . Organizations such as theAmerican Chestnut Foundationand several universities have dedicated resources to breeding blight - resistive chestnut tree trees . These efforts offer Leslie Townes Hope for the eventual restoration of American chestnut throughout its aboriginal stove , admit the southerly and southeastern United States .
In addition to breed blight - resistant American chestnut tree , some organization have tried crossing American chestnut with various Asiatic chestnut mintage in an effort to create blight resistance . Additionally , there are reportedly some intercrossed American chestnuts cross with Allegheny Castanea ozarkensis .
While the mark left by the chestnut blight are still visible across our region , the account of the American chestnut tree is not one of finality but rather of resilience and the enduring spirit of restoration . The likely return of American chestnut tree trees to their former glory would not only renovate a lively part of the area ’s history but also add to ecological preservation . The route ahead is long . For all spirit and purposes , the American chestnut tree is presently functionally extinct , entail there are not enough remaining mortal to do ecological theatrical role and/or to keep up a long - condition , viable population .
Should I plant an American chestnut?
There are many nurseryman who would get laid to grow an American chestnut tree . Supposedly blight - tolerant hybrids of American chestnut tree are grueling to obtain . Be very cautious when taste to buy these plants online . Often online retailer are making claims that are far ahead of the science . Ask lots of interrogation , and know what you are buying .
One thing I suggest to nurseryman who are concerned in the conservation of chestnuts is to buy seedling of the straight species of American chestnut and hope for the best . Many seedling will survive to ballock - comport years before give in to blight . This could be an significant step in the saving of the American chestnut until scientists enter out how in effect to conserve the mintage . Gardeners should anticipate their trees to get about 4 column inch in diameter before yield to blight . Again , be cautious when purchase plants to ensure you lie with what you are getting . accept that the tree diagram will eventually give in to blight is significant . Perhaps the idea that you mature an American chestnut for a short time and revel it will be salutary enough . Not all plants last always in our garden , and growing a chestnut tree could direct to greater cognizance and education for those who visit your garden .
There are still some American chestnut tree trees lurking in the forests of the eastern United States ; several of the large are in Maine . Hopefully with clock time and meliorate breeding , this significant native tree diagram can be restore in the wild .
For more Southeast regional reports , click here .
— Andy Pulte is a module extremity in the plant sciences section at the University of Tennessee .
Fine Gardening Recommended production
DeWalt Variable - Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening obtain a commission for items purchased through golf links on this site , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising political platform .
The Nature of oak tree : The Rich Ecology of Our Most indispensable Native Trees
ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner
Get our late peak , how - to articles , and instructional videos sent to your inbox .
sign you up …
While American chestnut trees used to dominate forests in eastern North America, their population has never recovered from the introduction of chestnut blight to the continent.Photo: Fungus Guy,CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Related Articles
Save Your Trees from Bagworms
The Weird and Wonderful Osage Orange
Pest Control for the Southeast: Ambrosia Beetles
The Best Tomatoes for the Southeast
connect all right Gardening for a loose lock live webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant pathologist as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals technical manager …
When I spotted a exceptional gumption buck cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few month ago , I cognise I was in trouble . With a delightful colour pattern …
When we only prioritize plants we want over plants our landscape need , each season is filled with a never - ending list of chore : pruning , pinching , watering , treating , amending , and fertilizing , with …
Before the introduction of blight, American chestnut trees could grow as tall as 100 feet.Photo from Arthur H. Graves, “The Future of the Chestnut Tree in North America,”Popular Science Monthly84 (January–June 1914): 559,New York: Popular Science Pub. Co., June 1914
Subscribe today and save up to 47%
Video
Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat
You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden intriguer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bombed by a pair …
4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden
Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
All Access members get more
Sign up for afree trialand get entree to ALL our regional contentedness , plus the relief of the member - only content depository library .
Start Free Trial
Large chestnut tree (named George Washington)—284 feet high, 52 feet circumference.Photo: Library of Congress, Creative Commons
Get utter site access to expert advice , regional content , and more , plus the photographic print magazine .
Start your FREE test
Already a member?sign in
One symptom of chestnut blight is cracks in the trunk of the tree.Photo: USDA Forest Service, Region 8—Southern, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org
Some Asian species of chestnut are more resistant to blight. This is a photo of a cross between American chestnut and Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima, Zones 4–8).Photo: Andy Pulte
Allegheny chinquapin is another native species of chestnut. While it is also susceptible to blight, it has more resistance than the American chestnut.Photo: Michael Ellis,CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT,CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
