Description

This unusual member of the beech family, fagaceae, grows in scattered locations from San Luis Obispo County to Washington. It prefers slopes and ridges from near sea level to elevations of about 5,000 feet. A few populations also occur in the central Sierra Nevada. One rarely finds large groves of this plant. Usually one discovers a stand of a few trees. At first glance one might mistake the golden chinquapin for a bay laurel, with its rounded to upright form and dark green lance-shaped leaves. The leaves of the chinquapin, however, have a golden yellow color and are fuzzy. The bark is gray-silver and furrowed. Two varieties are recognized. A shrub form (minor variety) and a tree form (chrysophylla variety). It is unclear whether these differences in form arise from cultural or genetic differences. The shrub form is more common in dry, exposed sites. Golden chiquapin is said to be difficult to establish. Some shade protection is advisable. Supplemental irrigation might be provided through the third year, reducing frequency and increasing the distance of water application as the plant matures. A slow grower, golden chinquapin will grow to only a few feet in its first decade.
Does all that seem worth it? If so, this is the plant for you. I just planted my first in the landscape.