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(Chrysolepis chrysophylla)
Giant Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla)
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Garth Harwood
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Garth Harwood
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Garth Harwood | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Garth Harwood | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-09-29T12:00:26-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Chrysolepis chrysophylla, commonly known as Giant Chinquapin, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the mixed evergreen forests, coniferous forests, and chaparral of the Northern California coast and Oregon. It exhibits a shrubby form in dry, higher elevation areas and on poor soils, while in cooler, moister environments such as valley bottoms, north-facing slopes, and foggy, rainy areas, it can develop into a tree reaching up to 45 meters (148 ft) tall. The trunk diameter can grow up to 90 centimeters (35 inches). The species is monoecious, with male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are white and borne in the leaf axils, while female flowers cluster beneath them. The fruit is a spiny bur containing one to three edible nuts, each about 1 cm in diameter, reminiscent of hazelnuts in flavor.
Giant Chinquapin is valued for its dense, evergreen foliage and its ability to adapt to various soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is used for reforestation, as an ornamental tree in large spaces, and for its edible nuts. The burl at the base of the tree allows it to resprout after injury, contributing to its longevity, with some trees living up to 500 years. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, medium amounts of water, and does best in soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Giant Chinquapin is valued for its dense, evergreen foliage and its ability to adapt to various soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is used for reforestation, as an ornamental tree in large spaces, and for its edible nuts. The burl at the base of the tree allows it to resprout after injury, contributing to its longevity, with some trees living up to 500 years. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, medium amounts of water, and does best in soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 40-60 feet
- Width: 15-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Mixed evergreen forests, coniferous forests, and chaparral
Other Names
Common Names: Western Chinkapin , Golden Chinkapin
Scientific Names: Chrysolepis chrysophylla , Castanopsis chrysophylla , Castanea chrysophylla , Castanopsis chrysophylla var. chrysophylla
GBIF Accepted Name: Chrysolepis chrysophylla (Douglas ex Hook.) Hjelmq.