Chinquapin (Castanea pumila ashei)

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

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet with a nice nutty flavour, it is very acceptable raw. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Sweet with a nice nutty flavour, it is very acceptable raw.; 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 half the size of C.

Habitat & North American Range

By the coast, in dry thickets woods and borders of swamps. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)