Golden Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Chrysolepis chrysophylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. 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: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and much appreciated. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Very sweet and much appreciated.; The seed can also be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in soups, mixed with cereals when making bread etc.; The seed is about 1cm long and has a hard shell.

Habitat & North American Range

Forested slopes near the coast in California. Found in many soil types ranging from dry and rocky to deep rich soils. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)