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chinkapin
Scientific Name: Castanea pumila var. pumila
Family: Fagaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Chinkapin and Chinkapin Oak: A Detailed Overview
This page provides information on several plants sharing the common name "Chinkapin" or "Chinquapin," including the Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) and the Allegheny Chinkapin (Castanea pumila).
Considerations for Pets
- Several mentions refer to nuts contained within spiny burrs, which could present a physical hazard.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that the nuts are encased in spiny burrs, potentially posing a risk of injury.
- The edibility of the nuts is mentioned, suggesting caution regarding consumption unless properly identified and prepared.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinkapin Oak) and Castanea pumila (Allegheny Chinkapin)
- Common Names: Chinkapin, Chinquapin, Yellow Chestnut Oak, Rock Oak, Yellow Oak, Allegheny Chinkapin, American Chinkapin, Common Chinkapin, Tree Chinkapin, Ozark Chinkapin, Golden-leafed Chinquapin, Golden-leafed Chestnut.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii):
- Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)
- Group: White Oak group (Quercus sect. Quercus)
- Synonym: Quercus acuminata (in older literature)
- Giant Chinkapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla):
- Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)
- Allegheny Chinkapin (Castanea pumila):
- Variety: Castanea pumila var. pumila
- Synonyms: Castanea alnifolia, Castanea ashei, Castanea floridana, Castanea margaretta, Castanea nana, Castanea ozarkensis
Distribution and Habitat
- Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): Native to much of the Eastern United States, as far west as Central Kansas and Southwest Texas. Often found in upland forests on limestone substrates and deeper, well-drained soils along rivers and creek bottoms. Tolerant of alkaline soils. Ranging from Vermont to New Mexico.
- Allegheny Chinkapin (Castanea pumila): Found throughout the Southeastern United States.
- Ozark Chinkapin (Castanea ozarkensis): Native to southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii):
- Medium-sized deciduous oak, typically grows 40-60' (less frequently to 80') tall.
- Mature trees reach 40-50’ in height and 50-60’ in spread.
- Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate or oblong, with lobed lobes and rounded tips, resembling chestnut leaves.
- Acorns are the fruit.
- Monoecious flowering habit, flowers emerge in April to late May or early June. Staminate flowers are borne in catkins.
- Allegheny Chinkapin (Castanea pumila):
- Tall, native, deciduous, nut-producing shrub.
- Giant Chinkapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla):
- Evergreen tree-sized species.
Ecological Role
- The primary use of chinkapin is for wildlife food and cover. The nuts are an excellent food source during the fall and winter for animals such as squirrels and deer.
- The Ozark Chinkapin (Castanea ozarkensis) is facing extinction.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Nuts serve as a food source for squirrels and deer.
Quirky Facts
- Chinkapin oaks are sometimes referred to as "mule" oaks due to their hardy nature and tolerance of poor soils.
- The name "Chinkapin" has Algonquian origins.
- Chinkapin oak was named for Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg
Further Information
- Plants For A Future database report.
- Allegheny Chinkapin Plant Fact Sheet – NRCS
- Tim O'Brien talks about the chinkapin oak in this video for The Nature Conservancy's "If Trees Could Sing" video series.