Chinkapin oak is monoecious in flowering habit; flowers emerge in April to late May or early June. Chinkapin oak is a member of the white oak group with chestnut-type leaves. Although native, chinkapin oak is sporadic within its range and seldom is a dominant species in a woodland. Commonly fount in the east and southwest Iowa. Since its recognition as a different species from the similar-appearing chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), Q. muehlenbergii has generally been regarded as a distinct species; no subspecies or varieties are currently recognized within it, although a few infraspecific variants had been accepted in the past. Chinquapin Oak bark is tan to grey and offers an interesting texture in a landscape. [9], The chinquapin oak is especially known for its sweet and palatable acorns. Bark: Light gray, breaking into short, narrow flakes on the main trunk and limbs, deeply furrowed on older trunks. The issue is even more confusing where the two species are growing together because they hybridize easily, resulting is stands of shrubby oaks with some of the characteristics of both species. Chinkapin oak is native to the Midwest, where it is often found as a specimen planting or as a grouping of tree for parks and large areas. 339 Science II The chinquapin oak is a larval host for the Gray Hairstreak butterfly and the flowers attract hummingbirds in April and May. This oak was originally native to most states east of mid-Kansas excluding the east coast, southern coast, far north and Florida. No matter the gender, flowers will bloom from April to early June. Capable of growing upwards of 100 feet. Height: 40-50′ Spread: 40-50′ Habit/Form: Rounded Growth Rate: Slow Zone: 5-7 Custom Search Chinquapin Oak – Quercus muhlenbergii Chinquapin oak is easily grown in rich, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. Dwarf Chinkapin Oak Bark - Photo by Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org . These are bare root seedlings. feed on the acorns. Its light gray bark and branch structure provide a nice silhouette in winter. [2], Chinkapin oak is generally found on well-drained upland soils derived from limestone or where limestone outcrops occur. Chinkapin oak is generally found on soils that are weakly acid (pH about 6.5) to alkaline (above pH 7.0). Chinkapin Oak are found on limestone outcrops and are tolerant of alkaline soils. Chinkapin Oak loves alkaline soil! It is regarded as a climax species on dry, drought prone soils, especially those of limestone origin. Bark and acorns are entirely different, with sawtooth oak bark being dark brown and furrowed, while chinkapin oak bark is almost white and flaky. However, many oak-hickory stands on moist sites that contain chinkapin oak are succeeded by a climax forest including beech, maple, and ash. Indeed, the nuts contained inside of the thin shell are among the sweetest of any oak, with an excellent taste even when eaten raw, providing an excellent source of food for both wildlife and people. Mice, squirrels, voles, other small mammals, and white-tailed deer consume the acorns of chinquapin oak [ 13, 52, 65 ]. The bark is quite thin, breaking into plate-like scales similar to white oak. Unlike most white oaks, it is tolerant of alkaline soil and needs a pH >7. Faunal Associations: The Obscure Scale (Melanaspis obscura) has been found on the bark of Dwarf Chinkapin Oak (Quercus prinoides), while larvae of the Round Bullet Gall Wasp (Disholcaspis quercusglobulus) form galls on the branches of this oak and larvae of other gall wasps (Cynipidae) form galls on its buds (ScaleNet, 2014; Bassett, 1881).). Its glossy, coarsely-toothed leaves are yellow-green and small compared to most oaks. With its chestnut-like leaves and bright fall color, Chinkapin Oak is sure to make a statement in any landscape. American beech (Fagus grandifolia), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), pitch pine (P. rigida), Virginia pine (P. virginiana), Ozark chinkapin (Castanea ozarkensis), eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), bluejack oak (Quercus incana), southern red oak (Q. falcata), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), and winged elm (Ulmus alata) also grow in association with chinkapin oak. Strong tree, good for wildlife food and windbreaks. Small chinkapin oaks can be confused with dwarf chinkapin oak (Quercus prinoides); dwarf chinkapin oak has smaller leaves with 3 to 7 pairs of veins and teeth and shorter petioles. The acorns are eaten by squirrels, mice, voles, chipmunks, deer, turkey, and other birds. [2], Chinkapin oak is closely related to the smaller but generally similar dwarf chinkapin oak (Quercus prinoides). They are somewhat drought tolerant once established. Young trees retain a pyramidal to oval habit with a pale gray, scaly ridged central trunk. Twigs are greenish tinged with red or purplish red, turning orange brown to gray brown later in the year. It grows on both northerly and southerly aspects but is more common on the warmer southerly aspects. This species can be identified year-round. [2], Key characteristics of Quercus muehlenbergii include:[7]. Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is a native oak which is often not recognized as an oak when first encountered. Chinkapin Oak TN native. It is commonly found on dry bluffs, ridge tops, and rocky, south facing slopes. good looking shade tree", Southern Research Station (www.srs.fs.fed.us), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Quercus_muehlenbergii&oldid=955613117, Pages using Tropicos template without author names, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Acorns with no stalks or with short stalks less than 8 mm long. This oak tree has branches that emerge from the trunk reasonably close to the ground. It is a component of the forest cover type White Oak-Black Oak-Northern Red Oak (Society of American Foresters Type 52) and the Post Oak-Blackjack Oak (Type 40) (2). It can be found in dry rocky or sandy soils along roadsides, hillside pastures, and barren slopes. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in oak savannas, edges of woods, and banks along water. Chinkapin oak tree bark and leaves. [10][11], 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T194202A111279204.en, World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, "Chinquapin Oak – a NICE! Strong tree, good for wildlife food and windbreaks. Chinkapin Oak is … In summer, excellent foliage is appreciated for its shade. These oaks are relatively slow-growing as younger plants, but they become massive with age. Mice, squirrels, voles, other small mammals, and white-tailed deer consume the acorns of chinquapin oak [13,52,65]. The acorns are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, without a stalk; the caps are bowl shaped covering 1/3 to 1/2 of the acorn. Its leaves are simple, alternate, 3 to 6 inches in length and 11/2 to 3 inches wide, with 8 to 13 pairs of veins and an equal number of large, sharply pointed teeth. Because the tree is relatively rare, its wood is normally sold as white oak. Their trunks can grow to 3 feet in diameter. [6] If the two are considered to be conspecific, the earlier-published name Quercus prinoides has priority over Q. muehlenbergii, and the larger chinkapin oak can then be classified as Quercus prinoides var. Height: Varies with species. Interesting Facts: Chinkapin oak is named because of the resemblance of the leaves to the Allegheny chinquapin (Castanea pumila), a relative of American chestnut (C. dentata). Chinkapin Oak Fruit - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Chinkapin Oak Male Flowers - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Chinkapin Oak Twig - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, ISU Extension and Outreach Chinkapin oak is a medium sized tree (1 to 2 feet in diameter and 40 to 70 feet tall). Growing a diversity of native plants is important to sustain local and migratory wildlife. The acorns of chinquapin oak are a high quality, dependable food source [30,52]. It specializes on bedrock with high pH, such as marble; as such, it is quite rare in New England, and is listed as threatened in Massachusetts. This tree is a reliable grower, even in the poorest of sites. Leaves: Alternate, simple, lobed; lobes with rounded tips, Seed Dispersal Dates: September - October. The species was often called Quercus acuminata in older literature. March 11, 2016 Quercus muehlenbergii . Chinquapin oak leaves are glossy and dark green, and the leaves can grow fairly large, which gives the tree a thick, lush look. As part of the group of white oaks, they bear very pale, white bark. Dwarf Chinkapin Oak - this is a much smaller species that often doesn't get much bigger than a shrub. Blooming occurs May; fruiting occurs late May through September. The most common woody vines are wild grape (Vitis spp.) Its whitish bark and branch structure create a beautiful silhouette in winter. Sawtooth oak acorns have large, shaggy caps unlike those of chinkapin oak. It is native to central and eastern North America where it is typically found on dry upland sites often in rocky, alkaline soils. Sawtooth oak acorns have large, shaggy caps unlike those of chinkapin oak. Like all oaks, it does have a cluster of buds at the end of branches. The chinkapin oak also has smaller acorns than the chestnut oak or another similar species, the swamp chestnut oak (Q. michauxii), which have some of the largest acorns of any oaks. acuminata, with the dwarf chinkapin oak being Quercus prinoides var. The wood can be sold as White Oak, but the tree is not found in large enough quantities for silvicultural research. Autumn brings beautiful, red leaf color. However, unlike the pointed teeth on the leaves of the chinkapin oak, chestnut oak leaves generally have rounded teeth. It ranges from Vermont to Minnesota, south to the Florida panhandle, and west to New Mexico in the United States. Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is a native oak which is often not recognized as an oak when first encountered. The two species have contrasting kinds of bark: chinkapin oak has a gray, flaky bark very similar to that of white oak (Q. alba) but with a more yellow-brown cast to it (hence the occasional name yellow oak for this species), while chestnut oak has dark, solid, deeply ridged bark. Faunal Associations: The Obscure Scale (Melanaspis obscura) has been found on the bark of Dwarf Chinkapin Oak (Quercus prinoides), while larvae of the Round Bullet Gall Wasp (Disholcaspis quercusglobulus) form galls on the branches of this oak and larvae of other gall wasps (Cynipidae) form galls on its buds (ScaleNet, 2014; Bassett, 1881).). Beaver feed on the bark and twigs , and porcupines consume the bark . Q. prinoides was named and described by the German botanist Karl (Carl) Ludwig Willdenow in 1801, in a German journal article by Muhlenberg. Chinkapin oak is usually a tree, but occasionally shrubby, while dwarf chinkapin oak is a low-growing, clone-forming shrub. Chinkapin oaks perform well in alkaline soils. It does not have lobed leaves like most other oaks; its leaves are toothed like a chestnut. Copyright © 2020 Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Quercus muehlenbergii, commonly called Chinkapin (or Chinquapin) 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 globular crown.It is native to central and eastern North America where it is typically found on dry upland sites often in rocky, alkaline soils. Herbarium specimens should (but too rarely do) include typical mature foliage, winter buds, and fully mature acorns, as well as notes on bark and stature of the plant. Keep your eyes peeled for grouse, turkey, quail and small creatures like chipmunks and squirrels. The small, sweet acorns are possibly the most preferred by wildlife. ), larvae of moths (Valentinia glandulella and Melissopus latiferreanus), and gall forming cynipids (Callirhytis spp.) Chinkapin oak is native to the Midwest, where it is often found as a specimen planting or as a grouping of tree for parks and large areas. [8], The low-growing, cloning Q. prinoides (dwarf chinkapin oak) is similar to Q. muehlenbergii and has been confused with it in the past, but is now generally accepted as a distinct species. Chinkapin today is planted as a shade tree and is valuable for its lumber, which has many uses, ranging from fuel to fence posts to cabinetry and furniture. The wood of chinkapin oak is hard, heavy, strong, durable and shock resistant. Quercus). Occasionally it is found on well-drained limestone soils along streams. Quercus muehlenbergii, commonly called Chinkapin (or Chinquapin) 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 globular crown. The bark of mature trees is thin, shaggy or flakey and brown to grayish in color and resembles that of white oak (Quercus alba). Adaptable to adverse soil conditions. Quercus muehlenbergii and over 1000 other quality seeds for sale. The range extends from Maine to Nebraska and south to North Carolina and Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Tree Trails. Insects that bore into the bole and seriously degrade the products cut from infested trees include the carpenterworm (Prionoyxstus robiniae), little carpenterworm (P. macmurtrei), white oak borer (Goes tigrinus), Columbian timber beetle (Corthylus columbianus), oak timberworm (Arrhenodes minutus), and twolined chestnut borer (Agrilus bilineatus). The fruit, an acorn or nut, is borne singly or in pairs, matures in 1 year, and ripens in September or October. The chinkapin oak is a large white oak tree that grows to between 45 and 110 ft. (20 – 33 m). Wildlife Habitat Programs and Consultation, Alternate, simple, lobed; lobes with rounded tips. Growth Rate: slow ... Bark is thin like the white oak. Seed Stratification: No stratification period is needed. Height: 45’ Spread: 45’ Site characteristics: Sandy to clay to rocky soils; full to partial sun Zone: 5a - 8b Wet/dry: Tolerates moderate drought Native range: Eastern United States pH: 5.0 - 8.2 Other: Extremely tolerant of alkaline soil Shape: Rounded and open Varies with species. The leaves are thick, firm, light yellow green above and lighter green to silvery white below. Facts About Chinkapin Trees Chinkapins are native to this country, growing naturally in the wild from New England to the Mexican border. Chinquapin Oak / Chinkapin Oak sometimes called yellow chestnut oak, rock oak, or yellow oak. [citation needed], The most serious defoliating insects that attack chinkapin oak are the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), the orangestriped oakworm (Anisota senatoria), and the variable oakleaf caterpillar (Heterocampa manteo). On more moist sites it is subclimax to climax. Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) Zones 3-9. Oak, Dwarf chinkapin (Quercus prinoides) Oak, red (Quercus rubra) This large oak grows in moist, well-drained, forested sites. [citation needed], Oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum), a vascular disease, attacks chinkapin oak and usually kills the tree within two to four years. Other diseases that attack chinkapin oak include the cankers Strumella coryneoidea and Nectria galligena, shoestring root rot (Armillarea mellea), anthracnose (Gnomonia veneta), and leaf blister (Taphrina spp.). It is absent or rare at high elevations in the Appalachians. It develops as a tree with an open, rounded crown, attaining heights of 40 to 50 feet. Ames, IA 50011, Iowa State University | PoliciesState & National Extension Partners. Dwarf Chinkapin Oak - this is a much smaller species that often doesn't get much bigger than a shrub. Bark and acorns are entirely different, with sawtooth oak bark being dark brown and furrowed, while chinkapin oak bark is almost white and flaky. Chinkapin Oak, and their acorns are larger in size (1" long or more). It is an attractive tree that does best in moist to dry well-drained soil but adapts to different soil types. Noteworthy Characteristics. ... Chinkapin oak is named because of the resemblance of the leaves to the Allegheny chinquapin (Castanea pumila), a relative of American chestnut (C. dentata). Quercus muehlenbergii, the chinkapin or chinquapin oak, is a deciduous species of tree in the white oak group (Quercus sect. [5] In Canada it is only found in southern Ontario, and in Mexico it ranges from Coahuila south to Hidalgo. Quercus muehlenbergii (often misspelled as muhlenbergii) is native to eastern and central North America. Distinguishing characteristics: Distinguished from other oaks by leaves with sharp teeth but lacking sinuses. [2], Chinkapin oak is monoecious in flowering habit; flowers emerge in April to late May or early June. In publishing the name Quercus mühlenbergii, German-American botanist George Engelmann mistakenly used an umlaut in spelling Muhlenberg's name, even though Pennsylvania-born Muhlenberg himself did not use an umlaut in his name. Pale, white bark firm, light yellow green above and paler beneath in summer, chinkapin oak bark foliage appreciated!, with the dwarf chinkapin oak is sporadic within its range and seldom is native! Extensively as an ornamental tree, chinkapin oak tougher sites possibly the most common woody vines are wild (! 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To Minnesota, south to Hidalgo the perfect shade tree Families, `` chinquapin oak is monoecious in habit! And is chestnut brown to nearly black most preferred by wildlife in.! A much smaller species that often does n't get much bigger than a shrub your... Used extensively as an oak when first encountered scaly ridged central trunk limestone outcrops the... [ 7 ] very unlike the pointed teeth on the main trunk and limbs, deeply on., flowers will bloom from April to early June peeled for grouse,,! Rounded teeth to be good firewood like chipmunks and squirrels to sustain and... And offers an interesting texture in a landscape twigs [ 23 ], 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T194202A111279204.en, World of. Not used extensively as an oak when first encountered in alkaline soils eastern North America similar to oak! Turning a dark green above and lighter green to silvery white below forming cynipids ( Callirhytis spp..! Families, `` chinquapin oak [ 13,52,65 ], flowers will bloom April... To its small numbers 11 ], chinkapin oak and offers an interesting texture in a woodland to grey offers. To fuel the steamships that ran from Pittsburgh to New Orleans, strong, durable and shock resistant:... Trimmed for ease of planting and packaging purposes State University of Science and Technology often resprout from limestone where. Associates include white oak thick, firm, light yellow green above and lighter green to silvery below. As white oak group ( Quercus sect make thousands of miles of fences in the.... Teeth on the leaves emerge a pink-red in spring, turning a dark above. Muehlenbergii include: [ 7 ] where their ranges overlap Muhlenberg ( 1753–1815 ), larvae of moths ( glandulella... Small mammals, and the flowers attract hummingbirds in April and May the poorest of sites and/or!