An unusual broadleaved evergreen nut tree native to the West Coast. Distantly related to chestnut - in older books the genus is listed as Castanopsis, which means chestnut like. Has a prickly husk containing one to three small, thin shelled, nuts. Very sweet and flavorful. Medium-large, dark green, oval shaped leaves with golden undersides. A tall, narrow, upright grower in the shape of a fir tree. Rather slow growing and can be difficult to establish - which is why it isn't more commonly available. Native from the mountains of Northern California through the Cascades and Coast range of Oregon. In Washington State it is found only in isolated pockets in the Southern Olympic foothills along Hood Canal, in the big Lava Beds area South of Mt. Adams and in the Columbia Gorge. Best on well drained soils. Golden Chinkapin is probably not well adapted beyond its native range. Leaves look like rhododendron, tree shape like pyramidal conifer growing to about 20-70 ft. tall.
ZONE: 7-9
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: June-July
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun to part shade, balanced moisture, mildly acidic soils and excellent drainage. Transplant very carefully, can be difficult to establish.
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Susceptible to root rot in cultivation. Needs good soil drainage, with consistant but not excessive moisture.
SIZE AT MATURITY: To 20-70', in some cases to 150 ft
