Golden-chestnut
Chrysolepis chrysophylla
Last reviewed: October 2026
Golden-chestnut (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is a perennial tree native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bees and wind-pollinated.
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
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Growing Golden-chestnut
Grow Golden-chestnut in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 1200 inches tall and spread 180 to 600 inches wide.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Golden-chestnut? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.