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Family: Fagaceae
Native to: Washington, Oregon and California
Dimensions: tree to 40 - 80' tall, 30' wide
Cold resistance: varies depending on origin; some forms can handle -30°F
Drought resistance: decent once established, but not suitable for desert
Key Features: large northwest native tree with dome shape, golden-backed leaves, spiny fruit husks in fall
Uses: specimen tree for sheltered garden.
Description:
Washington has two large native broad-leaf evergreen trees. Most people know about madrona (Arbutus menziesii), but few have heard of golden chinkapin, listed by some older references as Castanopsis chrysophylla. Although reasonably common in mid-altitude forests of southwest Oregon and northern California (and occasionally at high altitudes); in Washington, it is extremely rare, being found in the wild only in Skamania County, and from several scatted populations west of Hood Canal near Eldon. The top surface of the leaves is a lustrous green, and the undersides are a beautiful golden color, which is especially nice in winter. A magnificent, tall tree, it may reach 60' or more, eventually forming a rounded crown with age. One could think of it as comparable to the magnificent silverleaf oak (Quercus hypoleucoides), but the leaves have golden, rather than silvery, undersides. In cultivation, it will appreciate a sheltered location in partial shade with little summer water once established. This species has a reputation for being a bit "finnicky" outside of its native habitat, and should not be moved or disturbed once planted out.
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