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Castanea dentata - American chestnut Castanea mollissima - Chinese chestnut Castanea sativa - European chestnut |
A chestnut is a tree or shrub of the genus Castanea, including the chinkapins, or the nut produced by these trees. The nuts are commonly eaten roasted or candied; the latter are often sold under the French name marrons glaces.
The American chestnut, formerly one of the dominant trees of the eastern United States, has been almost wiped out by chestnut blight.