Tree Description
Chinquapin oaks are medium or large-sized trees growing to a height of 70 feet with a trunk up to 3 feet in diameter. They have a rounded crown of glossy green foliage.
Range / Site Description
These trees occur from northeast Texas to Central Texas and south to the Guadalupe River. They can also be found in the mountains of West Texas, growing on mostly limestone soils, especially at the base of bluffs and along stream courses. These trees are planted as shade trees suitable for limestone soils.
Leaf
The leaves are simple and alternate, 4” to 6” long and 1.5” to 2” wide. The shape can be oval, elliptical, or oblong, and the margin is sharply toothed.
Flower & Fruit
Separate male and female flowers appear on the same tree in spring. Male flowers are borne on a yellowish catkin 3” to 4” long, and the female flowers are less conspicuous and reddish in color.
The fruit is an acorn, ½” to 1 ¼” long, light to dark brown in color when ripe, that is enclosed about one-half its length by a bowl-shaped cup. The fruit is edible if roasted.
Interesting Facts
Chinquapin oak is named because of the resemblance of the leaves to the Allegheny chinquapin (Castanea pumila), a relative of American chestnut (C. dentata).
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Quercus muehlenbergii |
| Secondary Names: | Chinkapin Oak |
| Tree Type: | Deciduous |
| Dimensions: | Height: 70 feet Trunk Diameter: 3 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple, alternate |
| Leaf Size: | 4-6 inches long and 1½-2 inches wide |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval, oblong, or elliptical |
| Leaf Margin: | Sharply toothed |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Chinkapin Oak |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Chinkapin Oak