Chrysolepis chrysophylla aka Golden Chestnut
Taxonomy ID: 9320
Chrysolepis chrysophylla, commonly known as Golden Chinquapin or Giant Chinquapin, is a distinctive evergreen tree or large shrub native to the Pacific coast of North America. The genus name Chrysolepis means "golden scales" and the species epithet chrysophylla means "golden leaves," both referring to the beautiful golden to pale yellow scales that coat the undersides of the leaves—a characteristic feature that makes this species immediately recognizable.
In optimal conditions, Golden Chinquapin can grow into an impressive tree reaching 30-45 meters (100-150 feet) in height with trunk diameters up to 1.8 meters (6 feet), though it more commonly occurs as a medium-sized tree of 15-25 meters or as a shrub in drier, higher elevation sites. The species exhibits remarkable longevity, with wild specimens capable of living 400-500 years. Young bark is thin and smooth, becoming thick, furrowed, and developing reddish-brown plates with age. The twigs are covered with distinctive small golden-yellow scales.
The alternate, simple leaves are lanceolate to oblong, measuring 5-13 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide, tapering at both ends. The upper surface is dark yellow-green and glossy, while the undersurface displays the characteristic shiny golden to pale yellow scales that persist throughout the leaf's life. Leaves are typically folded upward along the midrib.
Flowering occurs from February to July, with creamy white flowers appearing in erect or spreading catkins. The flowers emit a strong odor, sometimes described as unpleasant and hawthorn-like, which attracts midges and other insects for pollination. The species is monoecious, bearing both male flowers (in clusters of three with 6-15 yellow stamens each) and female flowers (1-3 in a cup of scales) on the same plant.
The fruits are spiny burs resembling those of sweet chestnut, measuring 2.5-4 cm in diameter and covered with branched spines. Each bur contains 1-3 pale brown, edible nuts approximately 8-12 mm in size. Notably, fruits require two growing seasons to mature following pollination, and seed production occurs cyclically with mast years every 2-5 years.
Golden Chinquapin is endemic to the Pacific coast of the United States, ranging from extreme southern Washington through western Oregon and south to west-central California. It occurs most abundantly in the mountain ranges of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon, including the Coast Ranges, Klamath Mountains, and western slopes of the Cascade Range. The species can be found growing at elevations up to 1,800 meters (5,900 feet).
Ecologically, this species demonstrates remarkable adaptability. In cooler, moister environments such as valley bottoms, north-facing slopes, and foggy coastal areas, it develops into its full tree form. In contrast, on drier sites, higher elevations, and poor soils, it occurs as a shrub (sometimes designated as var. minor). It grows in diverse forest communities alongside redwood, white fir, western hemlock, and Shasta red fir, functioning as either an understory component or canopy co-dominant.
The tree form is shade intolerant and benefits from occasional disturbances for regeneration, while the shrub form can tolerate shade and is relatively indifferent to disturbances. Golden Chinquapin notably demonstrates resistance to chestnut blight, a devastating disease that has decimated American chestnut populations.
The edible nuts have been traditionally consumed by indigenous peoples, eaten raw or roasted. The sweet, nutritious seeds can also be dried and ground into flour for bread-making or used as a thickening agent in soups. The fine-grained, lightweight wood has limited commercial value but has been used for agricultural implements and fuel.
In Washington State, where the species exists as two isolated disjunct populations in Skamania County and Mason County, it is designated as a sensitive species. The Golden Streak Butterfly (Phyciodes batesii), a threatened species in Washington, depends exclusively on Golden Chinquapin as its host plant.
Common names
Golden Chestnut, Giant Chinquapin, Giant Golden ChinkapinMore information about Golden Chestnut
How big does Chrysolepis chrysophylla grow?
Golden Chinquapin varies greatly in size depending on growing conditions. In optimal environments—cool, moist areas like valley bottoms and north-facing slopes—it can grow into an impressive tree reaching 30-45 meters (100-150 feet) tall with trunks up to 1.8 meters in diameter. However, in drier sites, higher elevations, or poor soils, it typically remains as a large shrub (the variety sometimes designated as var. minor). Growth rate is slow to moderate, but the species is exceptionally long-lived, with wild specimens capable of surviving 400-500 years.
What soil does Chrysolepis chrysophylla need?
Golden Chinquapin has specific soil requirements that are critical for successful cultivation. It absolutely requires lime-free, acidic soil—this is non-negotiable. The ideal soil is light (sandy) to medium (loamy), deep, and well-drained. The species tolerates very acidic to neutral pH but will not thrive in alkaline conditions. Good drainage is essential as the plant is sensitive to waterlogging and root rot.
What temperatures can Chrysolepis chrysophylla tolerate?
Golden Chinquapin is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and UK hardiness zone 7, tolerating minimum temperatures down to approximately -17.8°C (0°F). The species prefers stable, moderate climates and is sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. It thrives in oceanic and Mediterranean climates similar to its native Pacific coast habitat. Mulching helps maintain soil temperature consistency.
How do you propagate Chrysolepis chrysophylla?
Golden Chinquapin is best propagated from fresh seeds. Sow seeds in a cold frame as soon as they ripen, as seed viability is short and they must not be allowed to dry out. Protect seeds from mice and other rodents which find them attractive. If storing seeds over winter, keep them cool and moist. Seedlings should be pricked out into individual pots when large enough and grown in a greenhouse through their first winter. Transplant to permanent positions in late spring after the last frost, providing protection during the first winter outdoors. Note that this species transplants with difficulty, so minimize root disturbance.
When and how does Chrysolepis chrysophylla flower?
Golden Chinquapin flowers from February to July, with creamy white flowers appearing in erect or spreading catkins. The species is monoecious, bearing both male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers occur in clusters of three, each with 6-15 yellow stamens, while female flowers appear in groups of 1-3 at the base of catkins within a cup of scales. The flowers produce a strong, somewhat unpleasant odor resembling hawthorn, which attracts pollinating insects including midges.
How is Chrysolepis chrysophylla pollinated?
Golden Chinquapin uses a combination of wind and insect pollination. While the species is generally described as wind-pollinated, the flowers produce a strong, hawthorn-like scent that attracts midges and other insects including bees, which may contribute to pollination. The fruits (spiny burs containing edible nuts) take two full growing seasons to mature after pollination. Seed production tends to be cyclical, with mast years occurring every 2-5 years.
What varieties of Chrysolepis chrysophylla exist?
There are two recognized varieties of Golden Chinquapin. The typical variety, Chrysolepis chrysophylla var. chrysophylla (Giant Chinquapin), grows as a full-sized tree in favorable conditions. Chrysolepis chrysophylla var. minor (Scrub Golden Chinquapin or Bush Chinquapin) is a shrubby form found in drier areas, higher elevations, and poorer soils. Some botanists consider the shrub form to be environmentally induced rather than a distinct variety. The only other species in the genus is Chrysolepis sempervirens (Bush Chinquapin), a true shrub of California and southern Oregon.
Can Chrysolepis chrysophylla grow outdoors?
Golden Chinquapin is exclusively an outdoor plant, suitable for USDA zones 6-9 and UK hardiness zone 7. In its native Pacific coast range from Washington to California, it grows in diverse habitats from coastal forests to mountain slopes up to 1,800 meters elevation. For landscape cultivation, provide a sheltered position with sun to light shade, acidic lime-free soil, and good drainage. Avoid exposing the trunk to full sunlight and do not remove lower branches, as this can harm establishment.
How should Chrysolepis chrysophylla be pruned?
Golden Chinquapin generally requires minimal pruning. Remove only dead, damaged, or diseased branches as needed. Trees and Shrubs Online specifically advises against removing lower branches, as this practice can harm the tree's establishment and health. If pruning is necessary, do so during the dormant season to avoid interfering with growth. Use clean, sterile tools and make clean cuts to prevent infection. Avoid over-pruning, which may affect overall growth and vigor.
What pests and diseases affect Chrysolepis chrysophylla?
Golden Chinquapin is notably resistant to chestnut blight, which has devastated American chestnut populations. However, it is susceptible to several fungal diseases including Phytophthora root rot (causing wilting, yellowing leaves, and soft stems), Ramorum blight caused by Phytophthora ramorum (causing leaf spots and defoliation), and Botryosphaeria canker (causing stem cankers and dieback). Common pests include spider mites and caterpillars. Ensure good drainage and airflow to prevent fungal issues. Overwatering is a common cause of problems, as the species is sensitive to wet soil conditions.
Where is Chrysolepis chrysophylla native to?
Golden Chinquapin is endemic to the Pacific coast of the United States, ranging from extreme southern Washington through western Oregon and south to west-central California. It is most abundant in the mountain ranges of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon, including the Coast Ranges, Klamath Mountains, and western slopes of the Cascade Range. The species extends into the Sierra Nevada and occurs at elevations up to 1,800 meters. In Washington, two isolated disjunct populations exist in Skamania County (Columbia River Gorge) and Mason County (near Hood Canal), where it is designated as a sensitive species.
Are the nuts of Chrysolepis chrysophylla edible?
Yes, the nuts (seeds) of Golden Chinquapin are edible and were traditionally consumed by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The seeds are described as 'very sweet and much appreciated' and can be eaten raw or roasted. They can also be dried and ground into powder for use as a thickening agent in soups, or mixed with cereals for bread-making. The nuts are approximately 1 cm long with hard shells and develop inside spiny burs that mature over two growing seasons. PFAF rates edibility at 2 out of 5, reflecting that while the nuts are palatable, they are relatively small compared to commercial chestnuts.
What are the other uses of Chrysolepis chrysophylla?
Beyond its edible nuts, Golden Chinquapin has limited but notable uses. The wood is fine-grained, lightweight, and soft, making it unsuitable for major structural applications but useful for small agricultural implements like ploughs. It also serves as fuel wood. Native Plants PNW notes that while the wood is hard and strong, the tree is too uncommon for commercial timber use. The species has significant ecological value, particularly in Washington where the threatened Golden Streak Butterfly (Phyciodes batesii) depends exclusively on it as a host plant.
Does Chrysolepis chrysophylla have a scent?
The flowers of Golden Chinquapin produce a distinctive strong scent, often described as unpleasant and hawthorn-like. This odor serves an ecological purpose, attracting midges and other pollinating insects to the catkins. The fragrance is most noticeable during the flowering period from February to July. The foliage itself is not particularly aromatic, though the golden scales on the leaf undersides give the plant its distinctive appearance rather than any notable scent.
