American chestnut (Castanea dentata)

The American chestnut, a fast-growing deciduous hardwood, historically attained heights of up to 30 meters and was a key species in its native forests. However, in the early 20th century, the chestnut blight, caused by the fungus *Cryphonectria parasitica*, almost eradicated this important tree. Presently, mature American chestnuts are rare, though numerous small shoots still persist.