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.