Chinquapin Oak 

(Note: this tree is one of three in the Select Tree Evaluation Program)


Common Name: Chinquapin Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus muhlenbergii

Family: Fagaceae

This Tree in Colorado: Chinkapin oak is a seldom planted underutilized tree that has a tremendous potential for the mountain west. Fall color is orange-red to brown, with trees from a seed source in New Mexico often producing deep red fall color. Chinkapin oak should be planted in Colorado because of its adaptability, medium size and its attractive form, texture, and bark.

Habit: Chinkapin oak is a medium size tree that is pyramidal when young and becomes ovate at  maturity.  It is not as tall or massive as many shade trees and should mature at forty to fifty feet in our area.  Spread is often greater than height at maturity.

Landscape Value: It has good aesthetic qualities and is very tolerant of dry and high pH soils. Transplanting difficulties have been mentioned as a problem, although several new plantings made B&B and RCB in Fort Collins are establishing nicely.   Considered quite attractive in its old age.

Fruit: This is one of the only oaks that produces a sweet acorn and it is preferred by several species of wildlife.

Leaves: The dark green attractive leaves have eight to twelve pointed lobes. 

Bark: The bark is light brown and scaly and quite distinct in the winter landscape. 

Insects and Diseases: No serious insects or diseases have been reported on this species.

 

 

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