Garden History and Design
Mary Anne Liljedahl and Joan Fountain
The picture above is an European chestnut but it also provides beauty, food and shelter.
Every visit to Paris in late April and May, I have the pleasure of enjoying the beautiful chestnut trees in full bloom. This makes me both happy and sad. Many years ago the American chestnut grew in the Eastern United States. These trees were the largest and fastest growing trees. Their wood was strong and used in furniture and buildings. The nuts were a source of food for both humans and animals.
At the turn of the century chestnut blight destroyed the bulk of these trees. However, the roots are still alive and can send up shoots. These shoots live for a short time and die. In 1983 the agriculture department started trying to revive the species.
These trees serve many purposes and are so beautiful. It would be a wonderful thing if they could once again be a part of our culture and landscape.