Chinquapin is a small tree or large shrub in the chestnut family, with narrow, toothed leaves and prickly burs that contain a single sweet nut. It is more resistant to chestnut blight than American chestnut.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, chinquapin grows on dry, rocky slopes, ridges, and sandy or well-drained soils, often in the understory of oaks and pines. It is scattered across the state, especially in the piedmont and coastal plain.
Uses and significance
The nuts are edible and were gathered by Native Americans and early settlers. The species is of interest in chestnut breeding for blight resistance and is a component of dry woodland and scrub ecosystems.