Castanopsis cuspidata (Japanese chinquapin )
Botanical Information
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Castanopsis |
| Species | cuspidata |
| Synonyms | Quercus cuspidata |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to China, Japan, as well as other areas of eastern Asia. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 6 - 9 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6a - 9a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 - H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | (-20) - 1 |
| Temperature (°F) | 4 - 34 |
| Height | 10 - 25 m |
| Spread | 5 - 10 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A large evergreen with pale green pinnate leaves contrasted by red-brown bark. |
| Shape | Upright. |
| Landscape | The acorns can be a food source for jays, squirrels and other wildlife. The tree is an excellent landscape specimen, wherever there is room for it to reach its distinguished, robust stature. |
| Propagation | Commonly through seed, although the seed is recalcitrant (will not store). Seeds should be placed in a fridge for 60 days at 5°C before being sown. |
| Cultivation | Grow in a well-drained, loamy soil. Suitable for slightly acidic to neutral soil. Grow under partial sunlight. |
| Pests | Insect pests may be Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea), galls formed by gall wasps, or wood-boring beetles. Oak wilt, which is a fungus similar to Dutch Elm disease may affect the tree. |
| Notable Specimens | Trebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall. |
| Habitat | Prefers woodlands and ravines near the coast. |
Photographs
Castanopsis cuspidata, form. Trebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall. 15/10/2019.
Castanopsis cuspidata, leaf. Trebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall. 15/10/2019.
