Caring for Chinquapins: How to Raise a Golden Chinquapin
A relative of chestnuts, golden chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla), also known as giant chinquapin or golden chinkapin, grows in California and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The tree’s long, pointed leaves and spiky, yellow nuts make it easy to identify. For additional chinquapin information, including how to cultivate golden chinquapin trees and take care of your chinquapins, keep reading.
Information about Golden Chinquapin
The height range of golden chinquapin trees is very wide. Some are actually regarded as shrubs and can grow as little as 10 feet (3 meters) tall. But some can reach heights of up to 150 feet (46 meters). This significant variation can be attributed to exposure and elevation, as shrubbier specimens are typically found in harsh, windswept environments at higher elevations.
The brown bark has 1 to 2 inch (2.5–5 cm) thick ridges that are deeply furrowed. The tree gets its name from its long, spear-shaped leaves, which have noticeable yellow scales on the underside. The leaves have green tips. Nuts from the tree are produced in bright yellow, spiny clusters. There are one to three edible nuts in each cluster. The trees are native to Oregon and California’s coasts. Golden chinquapins can be found in two different tree stands in the state of Washington.
Handling Chinquapins
The best soil conditions for golden chinquapin trees are usually dry and poor. It has been reported that they can withstand temperatures in the wild that range from 19 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 C) to 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 C). The process of growing giant chinquapins is incredibly slow. Seedlings may only be 1.5 to 4 inches (4–10 cm) tall a year after planting. The seedlings typically only grow to a height of 6 to 18 inches (15–46 cm) after 4–12 years. The seeds can be sown right away after harvest and don’t require stratification. Check into the legality of collecting golden chinquapin seeds before beginning any collection. The county extension office in your area ought to be able to assist you with that.
