Chrysolepis chrysophylla (Giant Chinquapin)

Plant Description: Giant Chinquapin is an evergreen broadleaf tree or shrub, depending on its location and conditions, native throughout the Willamette Valley. In moist locations, particularly in the northern valley, Giant Chinquapin typically forms as a tree, sometimes growing up to 150 feet tall and intolerant of shade. In dry, sunnier locations in southern Oregon and California where soil is poor, they typically grow as a shrub. Leaves are firm and pointed with glossy green tops and golden undersides.  Plentiful white, fluffy starshaped flowers clusters. Each plant contains fragrant male and female flowers, followed by edible chestnut like nuts. 

*NEVER CONSUME PLANTS WITHOUT PROPER ID*

• Height: 75-150 ft

• Width: 20-40 ft

• Watering needs: moist-dry

• Sun needs: Full-part sun

• Soil needs: moist, well-draining

• Bloom Time: Late Spring-Summer

• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: Growing into a tree variety, this species typically grows in moist, well draining, warm habitats amongst Western Hemlock, Salal, Pacific Rhododendron, and Huckleberry, as well as other coastal species. Growing large and tall, plant in full-part sun and attracts small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks. 

Photo by Miguel Vieira from Walnut Creek, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons