Quercus muehlenbergiiChinkapin Oak

Josh Garcia and Katie Ullrich

.Distinguishing Features

• Leaves are sharply round-toothed, oval shaped, and very dark.

• Acorn, nut egg shaped, dark brown.

• Thin, light grey and rough bark.

Bark

• Thin• Scaly ridges, rough• Light grey

Leaves

• Alternate on twig, simple• Blades tough, oval • Edges coarsely toothed• Dark green, smooth, and shiny above• Pale and finely hairy below

Helpful Hints/Fun Facts

Leaves resemble American Chesnut.

Medium to large tree, reaching a height of 60-70 ft.

Grow on moist, fertile, upland woods especially on limestone soil.

Especially known for its sweet and palatable acorns.

Pioneers called it Pigeon oak, presumably for the use of the acorns by passenger pigeons for food.