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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Castanopsis hystrix is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind, midges.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. frutescens.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Seed
Edible Uses:

Seed - raw or cooked[272]. Small but a good flavour[146, 177]. The seed is up to 14mm in diameter[266]. Flowers[177]. No more details are given, but the flowers are very small and produced in catkins[K].

References More on Edible Uses

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

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - hard. Used for construction, fencing, fuel etc[146, 272].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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]. The seed takes two growing seasons from fertilization to maturity[266]. The catkins have an unpleasant hawthorn-like smell to attract midges for their pollination[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Castanopsis acuminatissima	Castanopsis chestnut, White oak	Tree	25.0	10-12	F	LMH	N	M	3	0	3
Castanopsis cuspidata	Japanese Chinquapin	Tree	25.0	6-9		MH	S	M	2	0
Castanopsis delavayi		Tree	15.0	7-10		MH	S	M	2	0
Castanopsis inermis	Braided Chestnut, Berangan	Tree	20.0	10-12	F	LMH	SN	M	3	0	1
Castanopsis javanica	Spiny oak, Java chinkapin tree	Tree	25.0	10-12	M	LMH	SN	M	2	0	2
Castanopsis orthacantha		Tree	20.0	7-10		MH	S	M	2	0
Castanopsis sclerophylla		Tree	0.0	-		MH	S	M	2	1
Castanopsis tibetana		Tree	0.0	-		MH	S	M	2	0
Castanopsis tribuloides		Tree	8.0	-		MH	S	M	2	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Castanopsis hystrix - Miquel.