Natural History

Chinkapin Oak

Quercus muehlenbergii, Beech family (Fagaceae)

Leaves:
Leaves look like American Chestnut leaves. Leaves are coarsely toothed with a wave-like pattern of lobes or teeth along edges. Leaves are wider toward tip than at base. Dark and shiny above, pale and hairy beneath

Bark:
Bark is thin, scaly, or flaky; light gray with a faint yellowish cast. Bark has shallow fissures and scales

Flowers:
Male and female flowers are separate but on same tree (monoecious). Male flowers are yellow, arranged in hanging clusters; female flowers are smaller, on short hairy spikes at base of leaves.

Fruits:
Acorns mature in one season. Acorns are 1 inch long, shiny brown, egg-shaped and rounded to a point at the tip.

Habitat:
Occurs mostly on limestone outcrops. Often co-occurs with other oaks

A young Chinkapin Oak seedling growing on the forest floor.
(photo source #5)