How much sun does Golden-chestnut need?

Golden-chestnut grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Golden-chestnut bloom?

Golden-chestnut blooms in June and July.

Where is Golden-chestnut native?

Golden-chestnut (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Golden-chestnut attract?

Golden-chestnut draws bees and wind-pollinated.

Golden-chestnut

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chrysolepis chrysophylla

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Golden-chestnut (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–1200" H × 180"–600" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, wind-pollinated

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A large evergreen tree, the golden chinquapin, with leathery leaves that are glossy green above and golden-scaled beneath. Produces spiny, chestnut-like burs that persist into fall.

Wildlife value

The nuts inside the spiny burs are an important food source for squirrels, jays, and other wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Golden-chestnut need?: Golden-chestnut grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Golden-chestnut bloom?: Golden-chestnut blooms in June and July.
Where is Golden-chestnut native?: Golden-chestnut (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Golden-chestnut attract?: Golden-chestnut draws bees and wind-pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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