Growing Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
Consider the North American native Chinkapin oak when selecting a shade tree for your landscape. This relatively fast-growing oak attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other birds to the landscape.
This member of the white oak group grows 40-50’ tall and wider in the landscape. The name chinkapin refers to the shape of the leaves that resemble the North American native chestnut tree often called a chinkapin.
The leaves are dark green above and dull green below. They turn yellow, orange-brown, or purplish gray in fall. Sweet acorns form each year and are a favorite of some birds and small mammals. These need to be processed properly before you can eat them.
Chinkapin oak is tolerant of alkaline, sandy, and rocky soils. Grow this zone 4 to 8 hardy tree in full or part sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
A bit more information: The Chinkapin oak’s straight wood was used as fence posts by early pioneers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The wood also fueled steamships and was used as railroad ties in the Midwest.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
March 20, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Maximize the Beauty and Enjoyment
in Any Small Space
Register now
March 23, 2024
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More