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CHINQUAPIN (Castanopsis chrysophylla)
Other names: chink, chinkapin, perhaps chestnut

FAIR

The western or golden Chinquapin is found only in California, Oregon and Washington. It is a medium slow growing tree, up to 24" diameter and may exceed 200 years of age. The bark is smooth on younger trees but thick on large trees. The chinquapin bears a nut similar to chestnut in a spiny cover. A chinquapin burr is not to be set upon! 

The chinquapin must be considered a little better than a poor bearing tree, primarily due to the recovery possibilities. The blaze is usually decayed but not so severely as the alders. They have been found with the blaze only slightly decayed, nearly healed, with scribing partially legible. When dead and fallen the wood decays more slowly and may remain firm for several years. There is no record of a bark scribed original chinquapin bearing tree but the possibility should not be ignored. Examine all trees of this species carefully in the vicinity of a corner. 

If a chinquapin must be used, choose a young tree, 6" or more in diameter and bark scribe. Keep the blaze as small as possible, just into the sapwood and smoothly drained if blazing is required. Paint thoroughly in either case.