Chinquapin Oak

Quercus muehlenbergii

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
Quercus muehlenbergii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Yellow, Green, Brown

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Antaeotricha osseella, Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), Finlayson's oakworm moth (Anisota finlaysoni), Phyllonorycter aeriferella, Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers calcareous soils often found in limestone regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seed may be floated in water to determine viability. Discard seeds that float and retain those that sink. Acorns can be planted immediately after collection as they have little or no dormancy.

Establishment: Seeds are collected from established natural stands within the confines of Stones River National Battlefield or Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The Chinkapin oak is common throughout the eastern two-thirds of the continental United States with the exception of certain states. No conflicting information found in the protocols.

Source: npn.rngr.net