Castanea dentata

Dry and dry-mesic upland forests and woodlands, most common on dry, rocky ridges with oaks and pines; absent (or nearly so) from highly calcareous (e.g., limestone) areas. Common (as small sprouts) in the mountains and inner piedmont; infrequent and more local in the outer piedmont and coastal Plain. Chestnut blight has made this species nearly extinct in its natural habitat.  Typically in the wild, it sprouts easily from old stumps and roots, may reach 20 feet tall and produce a few nuts before succumbing to the blight again. Work is being done to produce a blight-resistant variety.

Wildlife Value: Larval host plant for butterflies