Castanea pumila

Castanea pumila is a small tree native throughout the southeast. It is typically found in dry forests, and prefers to grow in full sun to part shade. White catkins bloom in the summer, and nuts mature in the fall. These nuts are enjoyed by a wide array of critters, from birds to bears to humans. It is in the Chestnut family, but is fairly resistant to Chestnut blight. It is also deer resistant and drought tolerant. Castanea pumila is a host plant for several native butterfly species. This is a good plant for restoration and erosion control, or as a specimen tree in a yard.