Quercus muehlenbergii – Chinkapin Oak

Botanical Name: Quercus muehlenbergii

Alternate Name: Chinquapin Oak, Yellow Chestnut Oak

The Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is a medium sized deciduous tree with a rounded crown. It grows to a height of 40-60 feet tall with a spread of 50-70 feet. This oak tree originates from central and eastern North America. It is found growing in rocky, dry uplands, often in alkaline soils.

The flowers of the Chinkapin Oak tree appear in spring as the leaves emerge. They are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow in color, and form separate male and female catkins on the same tree.

The acorns are small ovals that grow up to 3/4 inch in size, with scaly cups that cover up to half of the acorn’s length. The fruit attracts wildlife, although this tree can live up to 30 years before producing a big crop.

The leaves are a bright, shiny green, lance or oblong shaped, and 4-7 inches long. They look similar to the leaves of a chestnut tree (Castanea) with their irregularly wavy margins or coarse teeth. The fruit of the chestnut tree are called chinquapin – giving this oak its common name. The fall color is variable but usually pretty, with a mix of yellows, reds, and browns.

The Chinkapin Oak tree can adapt to a range of soil types. It also has some tolerance for dry soils and drought conditions.

Description

Height: 40-60 ft.
Width: 50-70 ft.
Shape: Rounded
Flower Color: Yellowish-Green
Flowering Time: April
Fall Color: Red, Yellow, Brown
Features: Excellent shade tree, beautiful fall color
Exposure: Full Sun
Watering: Dry/Moderate & Regular, somewhat drought tolerant
Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained loam soil, but tolerates rocky, dry soils.
Growth Rate: Slow-Medium
USDA Zones: 5-7
Uses: Lawn tree, shade tree, park tree
Similar Trees: Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana), Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Northern Black Oak (Quercus velutina), White Oak (Quercus alba)

Additional information

Shape

Rounded

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Flowering Time

April

Fall Color

Brown, Red, Yellow

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

Uses

Lawn Tree, Park Tree, Shade Tree, Xeriscaping

USDA Zones

5, 6, 7

Mature Height

40'-50', 50'+

Mature Width

40'+

Exposure

Full Sun

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