Chinquapin

Castanea pumila ashei

Physical Characteristics

Castanea pumila ashei is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Eastern N. America. - Virginia to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked[2, 61, 105]. Sweet with a nice nutty flavour[46, 82, 183], it is very acceptable raw[142, 161, K]. When baked it becomes even sweeter and develops a floury texture, it makes an excellent potato or cereal substitute[K]. The seed is quite small, about half the size of C. dentata[183]. Sold in local markets in America[82].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Astringent Tonic The leaves contain tannin and are antiperiodic, astringent and tonic[46, 61, 213]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as an external wash for the feverish condition common to colds[213, 257].

Known Hazards

None known