chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

First place champion chinkapin oak in Denver at Johnson and Wales University.

Species info:

Leaves: Simple, alternate; deep forest-green and glossy above; white and slightly fuzzy beneath. Margins coarsely toothed with strong, forward-pointing serrations.

Leaflets: None (simple leaf).

Leaf Surface: Lustrous and smooth above; pale and pubescent below.

Bark: Gray and somewhat flaky on the main trunk; becomes rougher with age.

Twigs: Young twigs smooth and light brown.

Flowers: Inconspicuous male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious).

Fruit: Elliptical acorns up to 1 inch long; cap covers one-third to one-half of the nut. Acorns are sweet and preferred by wildlife.

Botanical: Quercus muehlenbergii

Family: Fagaceae

Mature Height: Up to 60 feet

Canopy Spread: Up to 60 feet

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Pyramidal when young; becoming broad, rounded, and spreading at maturity

Growth Rate: Moderate

Flower: Inconspicuous

Fruit: Acorns are unusually sweet compared to most oaks, require processing

Fall Color: Typically yellow to yellow-brown (not specified in text but consistent with species; can be omitted if you prefer)

Water Use: Moderate; tolerant of alkaline and clay soils once established

Hardiness: Zones 4–6

Soil Preference: Performs well in alkaline, clay, or rocky soils—one of the few oaks tolerant of Colorado’s high-pH soils; prefers well-drained sites

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Wildlife Value: Acorns are sweet and highly attractive to wildlife including squirrels, birds, and small mammals

Pests/Pathogens: No major pest problems noted in Colorado

Planting Recommendations: Recommended for most sites in Colorado, highly adaptable

Information Sources:

• Front Range Tree Recommendation List

• Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990)