Chinkapin
Castanea pumila
Last reviewed: June 2026
Castanea pumila (Chinkapin) is a native deciduous tree found across the southeastern and eastern United States. It produces fragrant white flower clusters in June and July that attract bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Chinkapin as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chinkapin is a small native chestnut tree that produces edible nuts and fragrant white flower clusters in summer. This compact deciduous tree develops an attractive rounded crown and provides seasonal interest with spring blooms, summer foliage, and fall nut production.
Growing Chinkapin
Grow Chinkapin in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chinkapin is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
- Nut drop creates seasonal cleanup needs
- Less common ornamental tree may seem unusual to some HOAs
Wildlife value
The fragrant summer flowers attract bees and beetles, while the edible nuts feed squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. This native tree supports various caterpillars that serve as food for songbirds.
Common questions
- Where is Castanea pumila naturally found?
- Chinkapin is native to much of the eastern and southeastern United States, including states from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
- When does Chinkapin bloom?
- Castanea pumila typically blooms in June and July, producing clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
- What pollinators visit Chinkapin flowers?
- The flowers of Castanea pumila attract various bees and beetles, which serve as important pollinators for this native tree.
- What growing conditions does Chinkapin prefer?
- Chinkapin grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun conditions. It adapts to various moisture levels from dry to moist soils, making it relatively versatile in landscape settings.
- Is Chinkapin toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chinkapin as toxic to livestock.
- Is Chinkapin HOA-friendly?
- Chinkapin is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chinkapin? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz