Plant Details

Castanea pumila

Chinkapin

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Castanea pumila.

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General Information

Scientific name: Castanea pumila
Also known as: Chinkapin

Plant Properties

Layer: Nut tree, Shrub
Size: Small
Height: 4.00 m
Width: 4.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full 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