Basket oak (Quercus michauxii, Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 215 (1818))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 215 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Basket oak, commonly known as Quercus michauxii, is a distinguished member of the Fagaceae family. This majestic tree is native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, where it thrives in rich, moist soils along floodplains and bottomlands.

Named and classified by Nuttall in 1818, Quercus michauxii was documented in “Genera of North American Plants,” a seminal work that contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of North American flora. The basket oak is renowned for its robust structure and longevity, characterized by a large, sturdy trunk and a broad, rounded crown that provides ample shade.

The leaves of the basket oak are broadly oblong, with finely serrated edges, and turn a beautiful bronze to deep red in the autumn, adding to its ornamental value. Its acorns are a crucial food source for wildlife, including many bird species and mammals, underscoring the ecological importance of this species.

Traditionally, the wood of Quercus michauxii has been highly valued for its strength and durability, making it an excellent material for various types of construction and woodworking projects. The tree’s common name, basket oak, hints at one of its historical uses: the wood has long been favored for making sturdy, durable baskets.

Ecologically, the basket oak plays a vital role in its native habitats. Its deep roots help stabilize soil in riparian areas, reducing erosion and improving water quality. The tree also serves as a habitat for numerous organisms, fostering biodiversity within its ecosystem.

In summary, Quercus michauxii, or the basket oak, is a notable species in the Fagaceae family, cherished not only for its aesthetic beauty and utility but also for its significant ecological contributions. Its presence in the diverse landscapes of central and eastern United States continues to enrich the natural heritage of the region.

Common Names

Eng: basket oak, cow oak, swamp chestnut oak
En: Basket oak, Cow oak, Swamp chestnut oak, Swamp chestnut oak; chestnut oak
Ar: سنديان ميشو
Zh: 沼澤栗橡
De: Korb-Eiche
Zh-tw: 沼澤栗橡

Synonyms

• Quercus bicolor var. michauxii ((Nutt.) Chapm.)
• Quercus prinus (L.)
• Quercus prinus var. michauxii ((Nutt.) Chapm.)
• Quercus houstoniana (C.H.Mull.)
• Quercus bicolor subsp. michauxii ((Nutt.) Sarg.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Teri Norton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by yuriko yano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Caroline Carey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by mike Sprague (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2020 by Nuhuh Nope (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Kat L. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Jon Alonso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2019 by Leon McNay Defty (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2019 by Leon McNay Defty (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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880340)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:216073-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus michauxii Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.5