Chinquapin Oak - Quercus muehllenbergii

Chinquapin Oak is a Carolinean species, common throughout the Eastern United States but only found in southern parts of Ontario.  Like all Oaks, this species has durable, dense wood, that is often used for fuel or fencing. Chinquapin Oak acorns are edible and mild in flavour, and can be eaten raw. Chinquapin Oak leaves are distinctly different in appearance than most other native Oaks, except those of the closely related and rare Dwarf Chinquapin Oak. Chinquapin Oak will grow from 15m to 30 m in height (in forest cover), and prefer dry, rocky sites.

Chinquapin Oak acorn
Chinquapin Oak acorns are edible and sweet. However, because Dwarf Chinquapin Oak is so rare, and the two can be confused, seeds should not be harvested from the wild. Photo by Chris Earley.

Chinquapin Oak leaves
Chinquapin Oak leaves are long, alternate, blades, with 8-15 sharp, pointed, and bristled teeth per side. Dwarf Chinquapin Oak leaves are much smaller  (<10cm) and with fewer teeth per side (<10).  Photo by Chris Earley.

Chinquapin Oak Tree
Chinquapin Oak can grow up to 30 m in height and 60 cm in diameter and mature Chinquapin Oak have pale gray bark with thin, narrow scales.

Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Chinquapin Oak. 1995-1999.
Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Chinquapin Oak. 1995-1999.

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References

Farrar, J.L.. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. Toronto. ON. 504 pp.  

Kershaw, L. 2001. Trees in Ontario: Including tall shrubs. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton. AB. 240 pp

Muma, W. 2011. Ontario Trees and Shrubs. [Online] Available: www.ontariotrees.com

OMNR, 2011. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario Tree Atlas. [Online] Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ClimateChange/2ColumnSubPage/267027.html

OMNR, 2008. Ontario’s Biodiversity: Species at Risk.