94 
axils of later leaves; fruit ripens in September or October, con- 
sists of 1-3 nuts, rarely 1 or 5, enclosed in a round, spiny burr, about 
5-7 cm. (2-3 inches) in diameter; nuts flattened and edible. 
Distribution. Maine, Ontario and Michigan south to Delaware 
and Tennessee and in the mountains to Alabama and west to Ar- 
kansas. In Indiana it is found only in the southern part of the 
State. Not known north of the 39th degree of latitude, except a 
few trees on the south bank of White River about two miles east of 
Anderson in Mound Park, which was a site of an Indian village. 
It is scattered in its distribution and occurs only in a few counties 
in any abundance. The greatest numbers are found in Clark, 
Crawford, Floyd, Jackson, Harrison and Washington counties. It 
is found on dry soil and is associated with black, white and scarlet 
oaks. 
The published records of the distribution are as follows: Clark 
(Baird and Taylor), (Coulter) and (Smith); Crawford (Coulter); 
Decatur (Ballard); Delaware, Jay, Randolph and Wayne (Phinney) ; 
Floyd (Coulter); Gibson (Schneck); Harrison (Coulter); Jackson 
(Ridgway); Jefferson (Young); Knox (Coulter); Martin (Ridgway). 
Additional records are: Posey (Wright); Clark, Floyd, Jackson 
and Washington (Deam). 
Economic uses. Wood light, soft, not strong, checks and warps 
in seasoning, yellowish-brown and durable in contact with the soil. 
A large tree in our area, and formerly much used for rails because 
it split easily, and for fence posts and crossties on account of its 
lasting qualities in contact with the soil. The supply in this State 
is practically exhausted. Its principal uses are for fence posts, 
crossties, telegraph and telephone poles and lumber. The bark is 
rich in tannin and where available has been used in tanning. The 
nuts are edible and in the east are a profitable crop. The nut 
weevil usually destroys the nuts in this State. The leaves are ex- 
tensively used as a decoction or infusion for the relief of whooping 
cough. 
Horticultural value. In the forest the chestnut grows tall with a 
clean bole. In the open it develops a wide crown and does not 
grow tall. In its natural range it is one of the most desirable trees 
for ornamental and shade tree purposes. Usually the tree does not 
live to any great age if planted outside of its natural range. An 
objection to it is the litter made by the burrs of the fruit. This 
tree is not recommended for forest planting because a fungous 
bark disease has appeared in the east which threatens to kill all 
trees of this species. 
