Golden Chinquapin, Giant chinquapin

Chrysolepis chrysophylla

Physical Characteristics

Chrysolepis chrysophylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind, midges. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Washington to Oregon and California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked[22, 46]. Very sweet and much appreciated[63, 71, 82, 105, 183]. The seed can also be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in soups, mixed with cereals when making bread etc[257]. The seed is about 1cm long and has a hard shell[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known