Chinquapin

[Butch Crain]

Chinquapin (Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis) is a chestnut related tree that grows in several southern states -

http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAPUO" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As recently as 40 years ago this species could be found throughout this region - the largest I recall seeing was 14-16 inches in diameter and perhaps 60 feet tall.

Although not decimated like American chestnut, these trees are most often found only as residual understory shrubs due to blight. There are some known individuals however that have survived as fully formed trees.

I hope to help propagate these seemingly blight resistant varieties by asking Arkansas outdoors enthusiasts to report the locations (lat, long, private or public) of any stems that appear to be blight resistant. I or someone else can then collect seed and hopefully develop forest stands of this important tree.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ozark+c ... 80&bih=964" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks

[Jim Krueger]

Butch,
During my college years, I began my interests in native plants, and ecology in general. My Mother once related how abundant Chinquapins, Paw-Paws, Opossum Grapes, and other natural fruits and nuts grew on their Ouachita County farm and vicinity in her earlier life. I have collected several of these natives over the years, but not yet the Chinquapin. Many years ago, one of my college roommates who was a biology/botany major, and also from Malvern told me he knew of a large specimen located near the old bridge at Rockport, now the Tanner Street Bridge. I never checked it out, but now would be a good time to try and spy the burs if the tree still exists. I will try and take a look when I pass that way again.
In the seventies, I planted a Chinese Chestnut on my farm at Arkadelphia. Then about 1991 or so, an elderly neighbor gave me what he said was an American Chestnut slip he'd raised from seed. He had procured the nuts from a large tree in Fordyce from an even older man he knew. At any rate, I collected some of the leaves and stems from mine recently and pressed them for shipment, also collected some of the burs. I was thinking of sending them on to the American Chestnut Society for proper identification. As I have done more research, I am more and more suspicious that what I have is just another Chinese Chestnut, but I was hoping not. From what I have gathered, the native home range of the American Chestnut extended down as far as Southwest Mississippi. I have always hoped that maybe some of the earlier migrants may have taken some of the nuts or saplings across the river and still a bit further West.
Good luck in your search for the Chinquapin, I will keep an eye out this Fall when down on our farms in Clark County.

Best Regards
Jim

[Butch Crain]

Thanks Jim - I'm optimistic that with help from hikers and paddlers we may find several areas where these trees have either developed a resistance to the blight or simply are isolated from it.

you're right about the burs - they're prominent right now - in N. LA they're just starting to open a little - they may have already opened and dropped the acorn like nuts in southern Missouri - better find those quick - wildlife go at them like they're candy

[George Locke]

Butch- in the Ark Demo Gazette a few years ago (thinking less than five) they ran apiece on the chestnuts. A cursory browse didn't bring it up but it should still be available. I think the stand they found was around the Fly Gap area just north of Turner Bend. Some friends of mine found them but not without a rigorous hike. I also remember finding some trees around the Chimney Rock area on Black Mountain(the mountain you see from Turner Bend campground to the northwest) but that was about thirty years ago. Brad at The Bend might be able to help. I'll try to get in touch with the folks who found them. Good luck on a great project!
Geo.

[kru1]

Butch- in the Ark Demo Gazette a few years ago (thinking less than five) they ran apiece on the chestnuts. A cursory browse didn't bring it up but it should still be available. I think the stand they found was around the Fly Gap area just north of Turner Bend. Some friends of mine found them but not without a rigorous hike. I also remember finding some trees around the Chimney Rock area on Black Mountain(the mountain you see from Turner Bend campground to the northwest) but that was about thirty years ago. Brad at The Bend might be able to help. I'll try to get in touch with the folks who found them. Good luck on a great project!
Geo.

Heading to Chimney Rock and the surrounding area on Sunday, will keep my eyes peeled.

kru

[Tenacious D]

If you want more info on the location of healthy Chinqupin trees located in the NWA area you can contact Al (the trail guy) Knoxs through Hobbs state park. I think he is a member of the Arkansas Chinqupin Society or something like that.