Which tree produces burrs as its fruit?

The American Chestnut is the tree that produces burrs as its fruit. Burrs are spiny husks that encase the nuts which the American Chestnut produces. This characteristic, along with the tree's historical significance in American forests, makes the identification of the American Chestnut quite distinct. When the burrs mature, they split open to reveal one to three shiny, brown nuts, which were once a vital food source for wildlife and humans alike.

In contrast, the other trees listed do not produce burrs. The Red Oak produces acorns, the Eastern Hemlock has small cones, and the White Ash produces seeds enclosed in a winged structure. Understanding the different reproductive structures of these trees is essential in forestry and ecological studies, especially when identifying species based on their fruits and seeds.