Fagaceae > Castanea (chestnut)
MTS Trail near Blue Ridge Parkway, Buncombe Co., NC
9 June 2009
Formerly a dominant tree of eastern U.S. forests, now large trees are very rare. Most mature American Chestnut trees have been killed by the tragic accidental introduction of Chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) from Asia.
MTS Trail near Blue Ridge Parkway, Buncombe Co., NC
9 June 2009
Most individuals survive only as stump sprouts throughout the NC mountains and sporadically in the piedmont. The blight hits them when they get bigger.
MTS Trail near Blue Ridge Parkway, Buncombe Co., NC
9 June 2009
Leaves are fairly large and have long, distinct teeth.
Jackson Co., NC
14 May 2006
Young foliage may have a reddish tinge.
Buncombe Co., NC
8 July 2006
It's very rare to find large trees such as this one.
Buncombe Co., NC
8 July 2006
Nuts are produced in spiny-shelled husks, which are very sharp!
MTS Trail near Blue Ridge Parkway, Buncombe Co., NC
9 June 2009
Young stem
Buncombe Co., NC
8 July 2006
Bark shows fissures and flat ridges on older trees. This individual is one of the few trees over 40 feet tall that still remain in NC.