Dwarf Golden Chinquapin (Chrysolepis sempervirens)

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

Chrysolepis sempervirens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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. 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, tasting somewhat like a hazel nut. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Very sweet and much appreciated, tasting somewhat like a hazel nut.; The small seed is up to 13mm wide.

Habitat & North American Range

Alpine regions of the coastal ranges and the Sierra Nevada. Rocky slopes, chaparral and conifer forest, mostly at high elevations up to 3300 metres, but sometimes down to sea level. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)