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Summary

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Fagus pumila.

Plant 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].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Tannin Wood

The bark, leaves, wood and seed husks all contain tannin. Wood - hard, strong, light. Used for fence posts etc[46, 61].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good well-drained slightly acid loam but succeeds in dry soils[1, 11, 200]. Once established, it is very drought tolerant[1, 11, 200]. Very tolerant of highly acid, infertile dry sands[200]. Averse to calcareous soils but succeeds on harder limestones[11, 200]. Although it is winter-hardy in most areas of Britain, this species only really thrives in areas with hot summers[200]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. Produces suckers, eventually forming a thicket[182]. An excellent soil-enriching understorey in pine forests[200]. Flowers are produced on wood of the current year's growth[229]. Plants are fairly self-sterile[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200]. Fruits are produced within 2 - 3 years from seed[117]. One report dealing with the type species states that it never fruits in Britain[11]. However, a bush at Wisley fruits well in most years[K]. Therefore it is hoped that this sub-species will also fruit in Britain[K]. There are a few plants at Hilliers Arboretum, but we have never seen them produce fertilized fruits[K]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - where possible sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a seed bed outdoors[78]. The seed must be protected from mice and squirrels. The seed has a short viability and must not be allowed to become dry. It can be stored in a cool place, such as the salad compartment of a fridge, for a few months if it is kept moist, but check regularly for signs of germination. The seed should germinate in late winter or early spring. If sown in an outdoor seedbed, the plants can be left in situ for 1 - 2 years before planting them out in their permanent positions. If grown in pots, the plants can be put out into their permanent positions in the summer or autumn, making sure to give them some protection from the cold in their first winter[K]. Division of suckers in winter[200]. They can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Castanea alnifolia	Bush Chinkapin	Shrub	1.0	6-9		LMH	N	DM	3	0	2
Castanea crenata	Japanese Chestnut	Tree	9.0	4-8		LMH	SN	DM	3	0	3
Castanea dentata	American Sweet Chestnut	Tree	30.0	4-8		LMH	SN	DM	3	1	3
Castanea henryi		Tree	25.0	5-9		LMH	SN	DM	3	0	3
Castanea mollissima	Chinese Chestnut	Tree	25.0	4-8	M	LMH	SN	DM	3	2	3
Castanea ozarkensis	Ozark Chinkapin	Tree	18.0	5-9		LMH	SN	DM	3	0	1
Castanea pumila	Chinquapin, Ozark chinkapin	Shrub	4.0	4-8	S	LMH	N	DM	4	2	2
Castanea sativa	Sweet Chestnut, European chestnut	Tree	30.0	5-7	M	LMH	N	DM	5	2	5
Castanea seguinii	Chinese Chinquapin	Tree	10.0	5-9	M	LMH	N	DM	3	0	3
Castanea species	Chestnut Hybrids	Tree	30.0	4-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	4	2	4
Castanea x neglecta	Chinknut	Shrub	4.0	4-8	S	LMH	N	DM	3	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Castanea pumila ashei - Sudw.