Question: We found this tree in Western North Carolina (we know, not NE). The property owners, who are in the 80's/90's, …
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Question
We found this tree in Western North Carolina (we know, not NE). The property owners, who are in the 80's/90's, claim that it is an American Chestnut that has been there as long as they can remember. The tree appears to have fallen many, many years ago and has lost all bark. The outside is gray and brittle but beneath that seems to be solid. Pictures are attached including one of a bowl started on a lathe using a piece of this tree. Is this an American Chestnut or some other species?
Answer
Dear Woody61, good morning. I would not be able to confirm this for you from the images supplied. In fact, it would be difficult to do from images (but you could at least identify if your fallen tree is consistent with American chestnut). There are some close-up images online showing the rings and "pits" that occur in adjacent rings to the growth rings, features that would be very telling for you as you can look at the end of the log close-up (with magnification if necessary). I suggest you examine some of those images and compare. Just search for images of American chestnut logs, growth rings, etc. Good luck.
