Castanopsis cuspidata - (Thunb.)Schott.                  
                 
Common Name Japanese Chinquapin
Family Fagaceae
Synonyms Quercus cuspidata.
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods and ravines, especially near the sea in western China[109].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan.
Edibility Rating  
Medicinal Rating  
Care
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade

Summary       
 

Physical Characteristics       
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Castanopsis cuspidata is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in leaf 12-Jan. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind, midges.

USDA hardiness zone : 6-9


Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Castanopsis cuspidata Japanese Chinquapin


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Castanopsis cuspidata Japanese Chinquapin
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Habitats       
Woodland Garden Canopy;
Edible Uses                                         
Edible Parts: Seed.
Edible Uses:

Seed - cooked[2, 46, 63, 105, 177]. The cotyledon of the nut is eaten boiled or roasted[183].
 
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.



None known
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details                                         
Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam[1]. Requires a sheltered position in semi-shade and a lime-free soil[138]. Although cold hardy in Britain, this species really requires a warm continental climate if it is to prosper and it does not do well in the maritime climate of this country[200]. It succeeds in the London area but does not attain its full size there[11]. It grows well in S.W. England[11]. The catkins have an unpleasant hawthorn-like smell to attract midges for their pollination[245].
                                                                                 
Propagation                                         
Seed - requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[138]. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. It can be stored for a few months if kept cool and moist (putting it in a plastic bag that is placed in the salad compartment of a fridge works well). Stored seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 - 48 hours prior to sowing[138]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c[138]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in mid summer if possible, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring. Give the young plants some protection from cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Japanese Chinquapin

Japanese Chinquapin

Botanical name   Castanopsis cuspidata
Height (m)   25
Diameter   10.00
Forest layer   canopy
Seeds / nuts / tubers  
Evergreen  
Edible  
Perennial  
Date   August 01, 2015
Shade / Sun   Semi shade
Soil type   Most
Tags     nuts  evergreen 

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nuts  evergreen