The American chestnut is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 100 feet tall and is known for its fast growth and large, edible nuts. The tree's wood is valued for its strength and resistance to decay, making it useful for furniture and construction. In the early 20th century, the American chestnut population was devastated by a fungal disease called chestnut blight. This disease nearly wiped out the species, leading to efforts in conservation and restoration. Today, scientists are working on developing blight-resistant hybrids to help restore the tree to its native habitat.