Castanea ozarkensis is concentrated in the Ozark Mountains, extending into the Ouachita Mountains (Arkansas) as well, where some intermediates with Castanea pumila may be found. Some authors have interpreted the putative hybrids as evidence to support inclusion of the Ozark chinkapin as a subspecies of Castanea pumila . Since virtually all chestnut species are interfertile, the occurrence of hybridization cannot be used as evidence of conspecificity, unless one is willing to accept a single chestnut species worldwide. The nature of the character differences between the Ozark populations and populations of Castanea pumila are substantial, and they are similar to differences seen between closely related species of Quercus , that nonetheless may hybridize locally. In many characteristics, Castanea ozarkensis differs from Castanea pumila in the direction of Castanea dentata (e.g., tree habit, glabrous twigs, leaf shape and size), including its resprouting pattern following chestnut blight. Given the ability of the chestnut to hybridize, and its intermediacy toward Castanea dentata , the origin of the Ozark chinquapin as a mere geographic race of Castanea pumila is questionable, and for the present, Castanea ozarkensis is best treated as a separate species[].

Common Name: Ozark Chinkapin

General Information

Castanea ozarkensis is occasionally a deciduous shrub, more commonly a tree. The boles on many specimens were massive, with trees growing 20 metres or more tall, but, due to the ravages of chestnut blight, most specimens are now rarely more than 10 metres tall, mostly resprouting following blight[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and southern N. America - southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, Arkansas, Alabama.

Habitat

Woods and rocky slopes[]. Deciduous forest; at elevations from 150 - 600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	18.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Castanea ozarkensis is a moderately cold-hardy tree, tolerating temperatures down to around -20°c when dormant. It grows best in areas with hot summers. In areas with cooler summers(even if the winters are mild), such as the maritime regions of the temperate zone, it often grows poorly, failing to properly ripen its fruit and wood, and suffering frost damage over the winter[, ].
Prefers a good well-drained slightly acid loam but it also succeeds in dry soils[, , ]. Once established, it is very drought tolerant[, , ]. Very tolerant of highly acid, infertile dry sands[]. Averse to calcareous soils but succeeds on harder limestones[, ].
Flowers are produced on wood of the current year's growth[]. Plants are fairly self-sterile[].
All the different Castanea species are interfertile and will hybridize freely with other members of this genus[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[, , ]. Small but tasty[]. Eaten raw, there is a distinct astringency, especially if the fleshy inner skin beneath the outer shell of the seed is not removed[]. When cooked, however, and especially when baked, the seed becomes much sweeter and has a floury texture[]. It then makes an excellent food and can be used as a staple food in much the same way as potatoes or cereals[]. A single, oval-conic seed 9 - 19mm long and 8 - 14mm wide is produced in each seed cupule[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Castanea ozarkensis is an excellent soil-enriching understorey plant to grow in pine forests[].

Other Uses

The bark, leaves, wood and seed husks all contain tannin.

Propagation

Seed - where possible sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a seed bed outdoors[]. The seed must be protected from mice and squirrels. The seed has a short viability and must not be allowed to become dry. It can be stored in a cool place, such as the salad compartment of a fridge, for a few months if it is kept moist, but check regularly for signs of germination. The seed should germinate in late winter or early spring. If sown in an outdoor seedbed, the plants can be left in situ for 1 - 2 years before planting them out in their permanent positions. If grown in pots, the plants can be put out into their permanent positions in the summer or autumn, making sure to give them some protection from the cold in their first winter[].