Chinkapin – Where To Get Them?

Q: Chinkapins used to grow wild in the Savannah area. Is there anyway to get them now?

A: The chinkapin, Castania pumila, is a shrubby relative of the American chestnut. It has the same spiny burs and a nicely edible nut. Unfortunately, it is also susceptible to chestnut blight. The plant does not tolerate shade and typically grows on hilltops or rocky ridgelines. It is not common at nurseries but contact Nearly Native Nursery, www.nearlynativenursery.com, to see if they can help.