Castanopsis cuspidata, commonly known as Japanese Chinquapin, is an evergreen tree native to the warm temperate and subtropical forests of East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It thrives on ridges and slopes, often forming part of the understory in mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests. This species can grow to a height of 20–30 meters and is related to beech and oak trees. The leaves of Japanese Chinquapin are 5–9 cm long and 2–4 cm broad, leathery in texture, with an entire or irregularly toothed margin, and a glossy, dark green appearance.

Japanese Chinquapin is valued for its dense, evergreen foliage and its ability to adapt to a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. It produces inconspicuous white flowers in the spring, followed by spiny fruits containing edible nuts that are enjoyed boiled or roasted. The tree is often used in forest plantings and as a shade tree in large gardens or parks. Its wood is durable and resistant to rot, making it useful for construction and furniture. However, it is not commonly available in the nursery trade. Gardeners should note that while it is not known for aggressive roots, it can be susceptible to chestnut blight, a fungal disease that can cause significant damage.CC BY-SA 4.0