No images found for this plant ID: 10203.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10203" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
chinquapin
Scientific Name: Chrysolepis
Family: Fagaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Chinquapin: A Multifaceted Name
The term "Chinquapin" (also spelled "chinkapin") refers to several different things, most notably various plants, places, and institutions. This page focuses on the botanical aspects of the name.
Botanical Usage
Chinquapin commonly refers to:
- The edible nut of a chinquapin tree.
- Several trees in the genera Castanea (chestnuts) and Castanopsis.
- Specifically, the dwarf chestnut, Castanea pumila, which is native to the southeastern U.S.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Castanea and Castanopsis
- Castanea pumila (dwarf chestnut or Allegheny Chinquapin)
- Castanea alnifolia (bush or downy chinquapin)
- Castanea ozarkensis or Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis (Ozark Chinquapin)
Distribution and Habitat
Chinquapins are found in various regions of the United States:
- Eastern North America
- Southeastern U.S. (C. alnifolia)
- Ozark Mountains (C. ozarkensis)
- Dry, sandy, and rocky uplands and ridges
Morphological Characteristics
- Can grow as a shrub or small tree.
- Leaves are toothed and oblong.
- Produces small, edible nuts.
- Chinquapins have a single nut in the burr, unlike chestnuts that have nut divisions.
Ecological Role
- Nuts are excellent for fresh eating, roasting, or for wildlife food.
- The Ozark Chinquapin is a close relative of the American chestnut and is currently subject to conservation efforts.