Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii Chinquapin Oak, Chick-a-Pin Oak Description: This is an adaptable oak which has been planted often in the central part of the country were soils are often clay and alkaline. Chinkapin Oak is an attractive medium to large shade tree suitable for use in much of the USA and Canada. Its distinctive saw-tooth leaves, which resemble those of the chinquapin tree found in the eastern U.S., are a rich green, turning yellow to bronze in fall. It grows in the wild on well-drained bottomland soils and limestone hills near water, but it is adaptable to a range of soils and exposures. It is moderate to fast growing and develops an open rounded crown as it ages. USDA Zone: 2b-9a Height: 50 to 90' Width: 30 to 50' Leaf: Alternate, simple, obovate or oblong, large coarse gland tipped teeth on margin, 4 to 7 inches long, dark, shiny green above, much paler below. Flower: Monoecious; male flowers are yellow-green long catkins (3 to 4 inches long), females are green to reddish, very small in leaf axils. appearing with the leaves. Fruit: Acorn, nut 1/2 to 1 inch long, broadest below the middle, thin bowl-shaped cap covers about 1/3 of acorn and forms a tattered fringe on the margin of cap, dark brown when mature. Twig: Slender to moderate, orange-brown, buds cluster at branch tips, terminal buds 1/8 inch long, pointed, chestnut brown, individual scales with frosted edges. Bark: Thin, light gray, rough and flaky. Form: Medium sized tree to 60 feet, with a rounded crown. Site Requirements: Sun; range of soil types including wet soil Texture: Medium Habit: Deciduous Habitat: Chinkapin oak is found in western Vermont and New York, west to southern Ontario, southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, extreme southeastern Minnesota, and Iowa; south to southeastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, western Oklahoma, and central Texas; east to northwest Florida; and north mostly in the mountains to Pennsylvania and southwestern Massachusetts. There are local populations in the mountains of southeastern New Mexico, Trans-Pecos Texas, and northeastern Mexico. Soil: Prefers a light, sandy soil. Good drought tolerance Sun: Prefers full sun, however, partial sun may be adaptable after establishment. Features: Tolerance to sandy soils and good fall color. Pests: Few known major insects or disease problems exist with this tree. Discussion: Chinquapin Oak is a spreading tree that is native to the greater Midwest, ranging downward to the deep South and over into the eastern edge of the Great Plains. In Ohio, it is scattered or absent in the northeastern quadrant of the state, is present in the northwestern and southern counties, but predominates in the southwestern counties that have an abundance of calcareous soils (that is, those high in pH and rich in limestone bedrock). It frequents dry, upland sites, but makes its best growth on rich, deep bottomlands. Its leaves may in some cases be almost lance-shaped and with their crenations pointing forward, somewhat resembling the flint arrows of Native Americans. Chinquapin Oak is also spelled Chinkapin Oak, and is also known as Yellow Oak or Yellow Chestnut Oak. It grows to 60 feet tall by 80 feet wide when found in the open, often with wide-spreading lower branches of great diameter. As a member of the White Oak group and the Beech Family, it is related to the Beeches, Chestnuts, and other Oaks. ***All acorns are de-cupped prior to storage to reduce the chance of fungal infection. Oaks readily germinate, if you have received your oaks and they are starting to germinate, either plant immediately, or place in a cool (34-42`F location, the standard household refrigerator is perfect; until ready to start.)*** A bloom on the acorns may be removed with water and mild soap. If your acorns have started to germinate in transit, you can arrest this by placing in the refrigerator, or planting immediately. Each packet contains 5 OR MORE Acorns of this species
