What is the scientific name of the American Chestnut?

The scientific name of the American Chestnut is Castanea dentata. This tree was once a dominant species in eastern U.S. forests, valued for its timber and edible nuts. The genus Castanea includes other species of chestnuts, and the specific epithet "dentata" refers to the serrated edges of its leaves, which is a distinguishing characteristic of the species.

In contrast, the other options refer to different tree species: Quercus alba is the scientific name of the White Oak, Acer saccharum is the Sugar Maple, and Pinus strobus refers to the Eastern White Pine. Each of these trees belongs to a different genus and serves different ecological roles, making them distinct from the American Chestnut. Understanding the scientific nomenclature helps in recognizing and classifying various plant species within the diverse ecosystems they inhabit.