What is a chinkapin? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question What is a chinkapin?
Answer Many experts believe it may be our most ignored and undervalued native American nut tree. Chinkapin (or chinquapin) is a small tree which grows from Pennsylvania to Texas. It is first cousin to another native nut tree, the American chestnut. Even though it is in the chestnut family, it is less susceptible to the chestnut blight than the American chestnut.
In 1612, Captain John Smith wrote, "The Indians have a small fruit growing on little trees, husked like a chestnut, but the fruit most like a very small acorne. This they call Checkinquamins, which they esteem a great daintie."
In 1896, horticulturalist A. S. Fuller said, "From present indications this tree will be well worthy of cultivation as an ornamental shade tree, even if we leave out of the account its rapid growth, productiveness, and delicious little nuts, which will be very acceptable for home use."
Researchers at Purdue released a study in 1993 entitled, Chinkapin: Potential New Crop for the South. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1993/v2-500.html An unnamed horticulturalist once remarked, "the Allegheny chinkapin makes your mouth water but to see it makes your eyes water." For nearly 400 years people have recognized the “potential” of this tree, yet the average American still doesn’t have a clue this tree exists. Maybe it’s time to hire a new marketing agent.
Chinkapins (Castanea pumila var. pumila) are usually multi-stemmed shrubs, 10 to 15 feet tall. Occasionally, a single stemmed tree will reach 30 to 50 feet tall. They prefer dry sandy areas with full sun to partial shade. While their sweet flavored nuts are small, they can produce between 1200 to 1500 nuts per plant. If nuts are not collected early, then wildlife will remove them for you.
Chinkapins are considered advantageous for their wildlife value alone. Squirrels, possums, deer, blue jays, woodpeckers, rabbits, quail and turkey eat the nuts. Quail and turkey also use the plants for cover.
For more info on chinkapins, visit http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_capu9.pdf If you do not have internet access, then call 893-7530 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org
Most people consider Robert Harling’s film, Steel Magnolias, funny and sad. It depicts Southerners using humor to help cope with serious situations. The movie was based on the death of his elder sister.
Few people realize the setting for the movie is the fictional small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana which is located in the fictional parish (county) of Chinquapin. The movie was actually filmed in Natchitoches, Louisiana which is located in Natchitoches Parish. Not widely known is the fact that Natchitoches comes from an Indian word meaning “chinquapin eaters.” This tidbit adds a new dimension to the horticulturalist’s quote, “makes your eyes water.”
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
