Determining the shade tolerance of American chestnut using morphological and physiological leaf parameters

American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) was once a principal component of the eastern deciduous forest until it became functionally extinct as a result of the invasive fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. Restoration efforts are underway by means of a blight-resistant American-Chinese chestnut hybrid, and detailed silvicultural information, such as the shade tolerance of American chestnut and optimum site selection for restoration, is critical for planting success. In the present study, the physiological and morphological leaf characteristics of pure American chestnut seedlings, saplings, and mature trees were investigated in one of the few remaining stands of oak-chestnut vegetation (West Salem, WI) to determine shade tolerance. Seedlings, saplings, and mature trees had high maximum rates of photosynthesis, similar to shade intolerant species, and low light compensation points (LCPs), quantum efficiency, leaf mass per area (LMA), and percent nitrogen content, reminiscent of shade tolerant species. Dark respiration rates of seedlings and saplings were low, but increased in mature trees. LMA was found to significantly increase with height in the canopy, indicating a high level of light-induced plasticity. The results of this study suggest that American chestnut should be classified as intermediate in shade tolerance.