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Castanea ozarkensis - Ashe.

Common Name Ozark Chinkapin
Family Fagaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods and rocky slopes[43]. Deciduous forest at elevations of 150-600 metres[270].
Range Central N. America - Mississippi to Oklahoma.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Castanea ozarkensis Ozark Chinkapin


(c) Robert Barnes
Castanea ozarkensis Ozark Chinkapin
(c) Robert Barnes

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Castanea ozarkensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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 and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:

Seed - raw or cooked[105, 117, 177]. Small but tasty[183]. Eaten raw, there is a distinct astringency, especially if the fleshy inner skin beneath the outer shell of the seed is not removed[K]. When cooked, however, and especially when baked, the seed becomes much sweeter and has a floury texture[K]. It then makes an excellent food and can be used as a staple food in much the same way as potatoes or cereals[K].

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.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Tannin

The bark, leaves, wood and seed husks all contain tannin.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good well-drained slightly acid loam but it also 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 parts of Britain, this species only really thrives in areas with hot summers[200]. 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]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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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].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Missouri (south), Oklahoma, Alabama (extinct?), Arkansas, Louisiana (northwest), Texas)

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Castanea alnifoliaBush ChinkapinShrub1.0 6-9  LMHNDM302
Castanea crenataJapanese ChestnutTree9.0 4-8  LMHSNDM303
Castanea dentataAmerican Sweet ChestnutTree30.0 4-8  LMHSNDM313
Castanea henryi Tree25.0 5-9  LMHSNDM303
Castanea mollissimaChinese ChestnutTree25.0 4-8 MLMHSNDM323
Castanea pumilaChinquapin, Ozark chinkapinShrub4.0 4-8 SLMHNDM422
Castanea pumila asheiChinquapinShrub5.0 6-9  LMHNDM412
Castanea sativaSweet Chestnut, European chestnutTree30.0 5-7 MLMHNDM525
Castanea seguiniiChinese ChinquapinTree10.0 5-9 MLMHNDM303
Castanea speciesChestnut HybridsTree30.0 4-9 FLMHSNDM424
Castanea x neglectaChinknutShrub4.0 4-8 SLMHNDM303

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

Ashe.

Botanical References

11200270

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Robert Barnes   Fri Aug 18 2006

ozark chinquapin foundation web-site dedicated to the ozark chinquapin

Dolores Almond   Mon Oct 2 2006

One of these beautiful trees is at Lake Quachita State Park, area D between sites 93 and 94. We were camping there September 29 thru October 2, 2006. It is about 15 feet tall and beautiful indeed. I did take a few pictures that include it. Dolores Almond Email [email protected]

g gardner   Sat Aug 25 2007

Can be grafted onto Chinese chestnut with varying success to obtain a bearing tree in 1 or 2 years after grafting. Just how long these grafts will life has yet to be answered. Two grafts I made this year have grown over 9 feet, these were placed on a chinese chestnut that was severely damaged during our January ice storm. Before attempting to graft I inquired from several known sources but noone seemed to know of the compatability.

Robert Barnes   Mon Sep 3 2007

A cure for the chestnut blight fungus has been patented. Details can be found at the following web-site: http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5882642-claims.html

patentstorm.us a cure for the chestnut blight has been found

gerald gardner   Sun Dec 16 2007

Wanted: scion wood from blight resistant Ozark Chinquapin from different areas, will trade same that is from Barry County Missouri. Cut last years new growth, that which is most vigerious is desired. I prefer to work with 1/4 to 5/8 inch diamenter but anything acceptable. Cut in February, place in plastic bag with slightly wet towel and refregrate. Nut grafting is an easy method of propagating if you have the necessary equipment for proper temperature and moisture control. g gardner

Robert Barnes   Tue Jan 15 2008

I will be collecting scion wood from blight resistant ozark chinquapins in Feb. 2008. I would like to know who wants the scion wood. I can also supply you with pictures of mature Ozark Chinquapin Trees. Robert L. Barnes

   Mon May 19 2008

There is a new National Champion Ozark Chinquapin Tree (castanea ozarkensis). Details can be found at the following web-site. http://www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/ Robert Barnes

American Forests: National Register of Big Trees

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