Castanea pumila

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Castanea pumila

Also known as: Chinkapin

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Nut tree, Shrub

Format: Smal

Height: 4.00 m

Width: 4.00 m

Growth Rate: Slow

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Seed

Edibility:
(4)

Medicinal:
(1)

Features:
Wood

Description

Seeds - raw or cooked. They have a sweet and nutty flavor, are very suitable for eating raw, and have a superior taste compared to chestnuts (K. sativa). When roasted, they become even sweeter and develop a floury texture, making them an excellent substitute for potatoes or grains. The seeds are relatively small, about 2 cm thick, roughly half the size of those from C. dentata. They are sold locally at markets in America. The seeds typically have only one shell, sometimes two. They contain 45% starch and 2.5% protein.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/10

End of Harvest: 30/11

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Cudrania tricuspidata Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush	Cudrania tricuspidata attracts beneficial insects that can help pollinate Castanea pumila, enhancing its fruit production.
Malus domestica Apple	Malus domestica helps in improving soil fertility and can provide protective shade for young Castanea pumila plants.
Salix caprea Goat Willow, Kilmarnock Willow, Pink Pussy Willow, Pussy Willow	Asarum caudatum serves as a ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains moisture in the soil around Castanea pumila.
Corylus avellana Hazel	Corylus avellana provides lateral shade, which helps in protecting Castanea pumila from harsh sun exposure, improving its growth conditions.
Rubus idaeus Raspberry	Rubus idaeus can deter pests that may harm Castanea pumila while also benefiting from similar soil requirements.