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Why are the 'Kings of the Great Plains' dying?

By Jackie Ourada
Published August 29, 2025 at 4:02 AM EDT

Drought in the middle of the country has opened the door for pests and pathogens that can kill trees. That's particularly true of a fungus that's decimating bur oak trees once known as the "King of the Great Plains."

Copyright 2025 NPR
Jackie Ourada