American Chestnut
Castanea dentata · Fagaceae (Beech family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Oblanceolate to oblong-lanceolate with an acuminate tip
Margin
Coarsely serrate with prominent bristle-tipped teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with straight, highly prominent parallel secondary veins ending directly at the teeth
Key Features
Elongated oblong shape, distinctive tapering base, and coarse teeth with straight parallel secondary veins running to the margin
Description
Large, fast-growing deciduous tree featuring deeply furrowed bark, catkin flowers, spiny burs containing nuts, and yellow autumn foliage
Habitat
Well-drained acidic soils in upland deciduous forests and slopes
Native Range
Native to eastern North America from Ontario down to the Gulf States
Identified on 10/18/2026