Golden Chinkapin is an evergreen tree of Oregon and California forests with striking golden-yellow undersides to its leathery leaves. It produces spiny bur-like husks enclosing sweet, edible nuts relished by Steller's jays, squirrels, and bears. In serpentine soils and dry areas, it grows as a dense shrub rather than a tree.
Best time to see a Golden Chinkapin
The best time to see a Golden Chinkapin is March–August, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,888 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Golden Chinkapin? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Golden Chinkapin sightings near you
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