How to Manage and Identify Chinkapin

The Allegheny chinkapin, also called common chinkapin, may well be our most ignored and undervalued, native North American nut tree. It has been widely hailed as a sweet and edible nut and adds value to it's chestnut cousin and the American chestnut's breeding programs.

I found a chinquapin (variation on the name) on my favorite deer hunting property and know it attracts wildlife. Since the chinkapin is adapted to a wide range of soils and site conditions, it should be considered a preferred species for its wildlife value. The nuts are eaten by a number of small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, deermice, and chipmunks. Humans are fast becoming major consumers.

• An American Chestnut Comeback - What Happened?

Chinkapin Nuts in Bur - Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com