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Ozark chinkapin

Scientific Name: Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis

Family: Fagaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Ozark Chinquapin (Castanea ozarkensis)

The Ozark Chinquapin, also known as Ozark Chinkapin or Ozark Chestnut, is a tree with a rich history and a challenging present.

Considerations for Pets:

  • This tree produces nuts encased in spiny burs (resembling spiny sea urchins when still in their hulls). These spiny burs may pose a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children:

  • This tree produces nuts encased in spiny burs (resembling spiny sea urchins when still in their hulls). These spiny burs may pose a physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castanea ozarkensis Ashe
  • Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis (Ashe) G.E. Tucker
    • Castanea arkansana Ashe
  • Common Names: Ozark Chinquapin, Ozark Chinkapin, Ozark Chestnut, Chinkapin

Distribution and Habitat

  • Historically widespread throughout the Ozarks.
  • Native to the Ozark Highlands of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
  • Prefers woods and rocky slopes.
  • Grows best in acid soils on dry sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Historically grew to heights of 65 feet or 20 meters, 2-3 feet in diameter.
  • Now mostly found as small, shrubby trees due to disease.
  • Deciduous tree, occasionally a shrub.
  • Produces edible nuts encased in spiny burs.
  • Larger leaves than the Allegheny chinquapin.

Ecological Role

  • Once an abundant and important source of lumber, nuts, and wildlife habitat.
  • The species has been significantly reduced due to chestnut blight.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Susceptible to chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has decimated populations.
  • A redcedar-chinkapin oak association has been described in the Missouri Ozarks.
  • Can be grafted onto Chinese chestnut rootstocks.

Quirky Facts

  • The nuts are described as resembling hazelnuts.
  • Some sources describe the nuts as "tasty."

Conservation Status

  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided not to list the Ozark Chinquapin under the Endangered Species Act.
  • Efforts are underway by organizations like the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation and ABLE to reestablish the species.

Further Information

  • Ozark Chinquapin Foundation
  • Dave's Garden
  • Discover Life