Chinquapin Oak

Quercus muehlenbergii, commonly called Chinquapin (or Chinkapin) oak, is a medium-sized deciduous oak of the white oak group that typically grows 40-60' (less frequently to 80') tall with an open rounded crown. It is native to central and eastern North America and is typically found on dry upland sites, often in rocky, alkaline soils. As the leaves emerge, insignificant monoecious yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. Fruits are tiny oval acorns (to 3/4" long) with scaly cups that extend to approximately 1/2 the acorn length. Acorns are valued food for a variety of wildlife. Narrow, oblong-lanceolate, shiny green leaves (4-7" long) have coarse marginal teeth. Leaves resemble the leaves of chestnut (Castanea), whose nut is sometimes called chinquapin, hence the common name of this oak whose acorn is sweet and edible. Also, it is sometimes commonly called yellow chestnut oak. Fall color is variable but usually undistinguished shades of yellow and brown.