Quercus muehlenbergii
A drought-tolerant, deciduous tree, the Chinquapin Oak grows well in dry, rocky soils in a full sun environment. It is a medium-to-large growth member of the White Oak family of trees. Normally growing 40’-60’ and occasionally as tall as 80’, it has an open, round canopy.
Although similarity to the White Oaks is obvious, it can take up to 30 years to produce its first crop of acorns. These acorns mature in September/October and grow to approximately ¾” long and ½” wide are sweet, edible and thin-skinned and a favorite of wildlife.
Their oblong, saw-toothed and shiny green leaves can grow 4” to 7” long. The teeth on the leaf are a somewhat curved shape and can be mistaken for a chestnut leaf. Much like the White Oak, the bark has shallow grooves, an ash-like look and peels off as the tree matures making it a striking specimen both in landscape and in the wild. No matter the gender, flowers will bloom from April to early June.
