The American Chestnut was once one of the most important trees in eastern North American forests, with an estimated 3–4 billion trees before a fungal blight introduced in the early 1900s virtually eliminated the species. Surviving root sprouts still persist but rarely survive long enough to produce nuts. Restoration efforts using blight-resistant hybrids are ongoing.
Habitat
Eastern deciduous forest understory; historically dominant on dry ridges
Diet
Historically a critical mast crop for deer, turkey, bear, and many birds
How common
Rare
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