Chinquapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
Vojtěch Zavadil
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Quercus
- Species:
- Quercus muehlenbergii
- USDA Symbol:
- QUMU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow-green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- yellow to brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; can resprout after low-severity fire.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; germination occurs in spring.
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
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * Chinquapin oak. The seeds were falling out easily from the cap. I was busy when I got home - just left them in a sealed baggy for 2 days at room temperature. 80% germinated in the 2 days.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)