Castanea ozarkensis

Castanea ozarkensis, also known as the Ozark chinkapin, is a species of chestnut native to the United States. It is a member of the Fagaceae family and is endemic to the Ozark Mountains and Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Description

The Castanea ozarkensis is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-lanceolate with sharply toothed margins. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed. The flowers are monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The fruit is a spiny burr, containing one to three shiny brown nuts.

Habitat and Distribution

The Castanea ozarkensis prefers well-drained, acidic soils and is often found on rocky slopes and ridges. It is adapted to a temperate climate with a moderate amount of rainfall. Its range is restricted to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, where it is an important component of the local hardwood forest ecosystem.

Conservation Status

The Castanea ozarkensis is currently listed as a species of concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It has been severely affected by the chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has decimated chestnut populations across North America.

Uses

The wood of the Castanea ozarkensis is hard and durable, making it useful for furniture and construction. The nuts are edible and were a food source for Native Americans and early settlers.

See Also

• List of trees of the United States
• Chestnut blight
• Conservation status