The American chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) was once a dominant species in eastern forests of the United States. Known for its tall stature and broad canopy, it could grow up to 100 feet high. The tree produced large, edible nuts that were a vital food source for wildlife and humans alike. In the early 20th century, the chestnut blight, caused by a fungal pathogen, devastated the population of American chestnuts. This led to the near extinction of the species by the 1950s. Efforts are ongoing to restore the tree through breeding programs and genetic research, aiming to create blight-resistant varieties.