Overview

Castanopsis is a plant with a tree habit in the genus Castanopsis, part of the Fagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Castanopsis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen tree and woodland garden.

About

Castanopsis is an evergreen tree belonging to the Fagaceae family, suited to sheltered locations with full sun or partial shade. It thrives in fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to UK zone H4. This tree is ideal as a specimen or for woodland gardens, offering interest during spring and summer. It prefers south- or west-facing aspects and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.

About the genus

Castanopsis, commonly called chinquapin or chinkapin, is a genus of evergreen trees belonging to the beech family, Fagaceae. The genus contains about 140 species, which are today restricted to tropical and subtropical eastern Asia. The English name chinkapin is shared with other related plants, including the golden chinkapins of the Pacific Northwest, which are sometimes included within Castanopsis but are more often considered a separate but very closely related genus, Chrysolepis.

Wikipedia contributors, "Castanopsis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Castanopsis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Castanopsis

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Castanopsis size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Tree

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, Woodland garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Castanopsis

Propagation

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Good

Disease resistance

Good

Frequently asked questions