Quercus castaneifolia

Fruit of Chestnut-leaved oak

Q. castaneifolia leaves

Q. castaneifolia is a deciduous tree growing < 35 m tall, with a trunk < 2.5 m diameter (exceptionally up to 50 m tall with a trunk < 3.5 m diameter[2]). The leaves are 10–20 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, with 10–15 small, regular triangular lobes on each side. The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins; the fruit is an acorn, maturing about 18 months after pollination, 2–3 cm long and 1.5–2 cm broad, bicoloured with an orange basal half grading to a green-brown tip; the acorn cup is 2 cm deep, densely covered in soft 4–8 mm long 'mossy' bristles. The acorns are very bitter, but are eaten by jays and pigeons; squirrels usually only eat them when other food sources have been exhausted.

The tree was introduced to England in 1846, but remains relatively rare in collections despite being a vigorous grower. A tree from the original introduction is at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,[3] another survives at the Harlow Carr arboretum in Yorkshire.

The cultivar Quercus castaneifolia 'Green Spire' has been selected for its erect growth.