Chinquapin (Castanea pumila)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Castanea pumila is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet with a nice nutty flavour, it is very acceptable raw and has a superior flavour to sweet chestnuts (C. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Sweet with a nice nutty flavour, it is very acceptable raw and has a superior flavour to sweet chestnuts (C.; When baked it becomes even sweeter and develops a floury texture, it makes an excellent potato or cereal substitute.The seed is quite small, about 2cm thich, which is about half the size of C.; It is sold in local markets in America.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy ridges and rich hillsides where it forms thickets, also in woods and on the borders of swamps. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)