Japanese Chinquapin
Castanopsis cuspidata

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

Castanopsis cuspidata is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year. 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: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

Woods and ravines, especially near the sea in western China.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed - cooked. The cotyledon of the nut is eaten boiled or roasted.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam. Requires a sheltered position in semi-shade and a lime-free soil. Although cold hardy in Britain, this species really requires a warm continental climate if it is to prosper and it does not do well in the maritime climate of this country. It succeeds in the London area but does not attain its full size there. It grows well in S.W. England. The catkins have an unpleasant hawthorn-like smell to attract midges for their pollination.

Propagating it: Seed - requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. It can be stored for a few months if kept cool and moist (putting it in a plastic bag that is placed in the salad compartment of a fridge works well). Stored seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 - 48 hours prior to sowing. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in mid summer if possible, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring. Give the young plants some protection from cold for their first few winters outdoors.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Quercus cuspidata.