August 6, 2026

Years ago I did volunteer work for the Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation. I learned many things about what has happened to this precious tree, the American chestnut (Castanea dentata), since the blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) was first accidentally introduced to North America in 1904.

Sometime during my years with TACF I was able to get 12 pure American Chestnut seeds which I planted down the hill in front of my cabin. As they sprouted, many of them succumbed to the blight and died. There are still 3 of those trees living, though each one has signs of the fungal disease. Who knows, they may still live for years to come. What will happen in that case, the tree will become more like a bush, unlike what would have been a stately tree. The top portions will die back, but the roots will live on, and with determination send up new sprouts.

Over the past couple years, these 3 have bloomed. Much to my amazement, a couple days ago, I discovered that they have produced 3 American Chestnut burrs!

I am totally delighted!

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