ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Chinquapin. Few selections of chinquapin have been made. Seeds germinate easily, sometimes sending out hypocotyl before reaching the ground. Occasionally, plants are planted for ornamentals, or along edge of woods for wildlife food. Once planted, shrubs require no attention. Shrubs begin bearing nuts when 3 to 5 years old, and are prolific producers of small, sweet, nutty-flavored nuts. Shrubs useful for planting on dry, rocky slopes, as they are attractive when in flower and again in fall with their light green burs and dark foliage. Kernels of nuts are sweet and edible, but are not consumed by humans very much; they are more of a wildlife food; also used to fatten hogs. Nuts are sold in markets in southern and western states.
