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Castanopsis spp.
evergreen chinquapin
Overview
Castanopsis is a genus of more than a hundred evergreen trees and shrubs in the beech family (Fagaceae), known as evergreen chinquapins. They grow from forests of East and Southeast Asia, with most species in China and the Himalaya, and range from large canopy trees 30-100 feet (9-30 m) tall to smaller understorey shrubs. The leathery leaves are glossy green above and often coated golden-brown or silver beneath, holding on the tree year-round. In spring and early summer the trees carry upright catkins of small cream flowers with a heavy scent, and these ripen over one to two years into hard nuts enclosed in spiny or warty cups, much like small chestnuts. The nuts of several species are edible and have long been gathered as food. The genus forms a major part of broadleaf evergreen forests and is used for timber and tannins. As warm-climate trees, most species are damaged by hard frost, and their large size and dense shade limit them to spacious sites rather than small gardens.
Native Range
The genus is native to East and Southeast Asia, from the Himalaya and southern China through Japan, Taiwan, and the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines. The trees grow in warm-temperate and subtropical broadleaf evergreen forests, often on hill and mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
In warm climates the larger species are grown as evergreen shade and timber trees in parks, large gardens, and woodland plantings. Several are grown in orchards or gathered from the wild for their edible nuts. The dense evergreen canopy is also used for shelter and screening on roomy sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 100'
Width/Spread20' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Small cream flowers open in upright catkins in spring and early summer, carrying a strong, somewhat musky scent. Wind and insects move the pollen between the separate male and female flowers. The fertilised flowers develop slowly, with the spiny-cupped nuts ripening over one to two years depending on the species.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale yellowFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight