One tree diagram that is know for its muzzy green clump is the American chestnut tree ( Castanea dentata ) . These trees used to be one of the most abundant and far-flung native trees in North America . They could be found in forests and woodlands throughout the easterly United States . However , their population was devastate by a fungous blight in the early 20th century .
The American chestnut tree diagram was highly valued for its lumber and its nuts , which were an important food source for both humans and wildlife . The tree diagram could grow up to 100 feet magniloquent and had a distinctive appearance with their broad , toothed leave and magniloquent , unbowed trunks . The bleary green balls , known as burrs or burs , were the spiky outer covering of the chestnuts .
These bur bear the chestnut themselves , which were a prized commodity . The screwball were large , odorous , and highly nutritious . They were often roasted and delight during the holiday season or used in various formula . The American chestnut tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree play a significant theatrical role in the cultural and economical history of the United States .
alas , in the other 1900s , a fungus call Cryphonectria parasitica was incidentally introduced to North America . This fungus get a annihilating blight that go around rapidly throughout the American chestnut population . The blight attack the bark of the tree diagram , cutting off the stream of nutrients and at last killing them .
The impact of the chestnut blight was ruinous . By the 1950s , an calculate four billion American chestnut tree trees had died , and the species was on the verge of extinction . Today , only a few detached populations of American chestnut tree trees stay , mostly in the southern Appalachians .
However , all hope is not lost for the American chestnut tree . Efforts are afoot to develop blight - resistant varieties through breeding computer program . Scientists are using a variety of techniques , admit hybridise with the Chinese chestnut ( Castanea mollissima ) , which is naturally resistive to the blight .
Taiwanese chestnut Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , or hybrids between the American and Chinese species , are more likely to be found today . These trees still make the familiar fuzzy green balls , although there may be fluctuation in size and coming into court equate to the pure American chestnut tree .
In my own experience as a nurseryman , I have come across both American chestnut trees and their hybrid counterpart . It is always a delight to see the foggy green burs hanging from the branches , especially in the declivity when they start to open and reveal the shiny chestnuts inside . The tree have a strong bearing and add character to any landscape .
The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that has fuzzy dark-green balls is the American chestnut ( Castanea dentata ) . While this species has been greatly impact by the chestnut blight , there is hope for its future through breeding programs and the use of Taiwanese chestnut hybrid . These Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have cultural and ecological significance .
Caroline Bates
