Family: Fagaceae
Author: Engelm.
Bibliography: Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 3: 391 (1877)
Year: 1877
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Ontario to C. & E. U.S.A., NE. Mexico (to Veracruz)
Description
The Chinkapin oak, scientifically known as Quercus muehlenbergii, is a robust species of oak tree belonging to the Fagaceae family. This majestic tree traces its habitat to a diverse geographical range, extending from Southern Ontario through Central and Eastern parts of the United States and further reaching into Northeast Mexico, as far as Veracruz.
First documented in the Transactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis in 1877 by Engelm., the Chinkapin oak has since held a notable presence in both natural landscapes and cultivated environments. Known for its adaptability and resilience, this oak species represents a vital component of its ecosystems.
The physical characteristics of Quercus muehlenbergii make it an impressive and identifiable tree. Typically, it features a sturdy trunk and a broad, rounded canopy that offers ample shade. Its leaves are distinctive and attractive, varying from elliptic to ovate shapes with coarse, serrate margins resembling those of a chestnut, which is a feature that often makes it easily recognizable.
Chinkapin oak thrives in a variety of soil types, but it shows a preference for well-drained upland soils, often found on limestone ridges and rocky terrains. Its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions makes it a valuable species both ecologically and horticulturally.
In addition to its ecological role, the Chinkapin oak delivers tangible benefits to wildlife. Its acorns, produced abundantly in the fall, serve as a crucial food source for a variety of mammals and birds, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
Given its impressive hardiness and the broad range of climates it can flourish in, the Chinkapin oak remains a popular choice for reforestation projects and urban landscaping. It stands out not only for its utility but also for its striking beauty, contributing both ecological value and aesthetic appeal to the environments it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: chinkapin oak, chinquapin oak, yellow chestnut oak, yellow oak
Fra: chêne jaune, chêne de mühlenberg
En: Chinkapin oak, Chinquapin oak, Yellow chestnut oak, Yellow oak
Zh: 北美黃橡
Cs: Dub Muehlenbergův
Fi: Keltatammi
Fr: Chêne jaune, Chêne de Mühlenberg
De: Gelbe Eiche
Zh-tw: 北美黃橡
Zh-hant: 北美黃橡
Synonyms
- Quercus prinus var. acuminata (Michx.)
- Quercus alexanderi (Britton)
- Quercus muehlenbergii f. alexanderi ((Britton) Trel.)
- Quercus brayi (Small)
- Quercus prinoides f. alexanderi ((Britton) Steyerm.)
- Quercus prinoides var. acuminata ((Michx.) Gleason)
- Quercus acuminata var. alexanderi (Farw.)
- Quercus muehlenbergii var. alexanderi ((Britton) Campb.)
- Quercus muehlenbergii var. brayi ((Small) Sarg.)
- Quercus acuminata ((Michx.) Sarg.)
- Quercus rubra var. muehlenbergii ((Engelm.) Wenz.)
- Quercus castanea var. macrophylla (Hampton)
- Quercus sentenelensis (C.H.Mull.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Otto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Beverly Enslow (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Danilo Diedrichs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2021 by DD Cle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Eve Richard (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Noah Hinson (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Olivier Laurent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Mitch Gleason (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Mitch Gleason (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30336647-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2879947)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 5.0