Allegheny Chinquapin, Chinkapin, American Chinquapin, Dwarf Chestnut, Coastal Chinquapin, Ozark Chinquapin
Castanea pumila (Dwarf Chestnut) is a large thicket-forming shrub or small tree with spreading lower branches and ascending upper branches. The alternate, oblong, finely serrated leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), are glossy green above and silvery tomentose underneath. Prominently veined, they turn yellow to golden brown in the fall. In spring to early summer, showy but strong-smelling, creamy-white flowers appear in catkins. They give way to edible chestnuts encased in spiny dehiscent burs, 1.5 in. across (3 cm). The nuts have a sweet flavor and are considered better tasting than those of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata). They were a favorite of indigenous people and are also eaten by many birds and mammals, including squirrels, chipmunks, opossums, white-tailed deer, bluejays, pileated woodpeckers, and red-headed woodpeckers. A beautiful specimen shade tree for lawns or to provide food for yourself and wildlife. Remember that falling chestnuts may pose a litter problem if not harvested.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Fagaceae |
Genus | Castanea |
Common names | Chestnut |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
Height |
15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread |
10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Fagaceae |
Genus | Castanea |
Common names | Chestnut |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
Height |
15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread |
10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Castanea pumila (Dwarf Chestnut) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Castanea pumila (Dwarf Chestnut) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!