Chinkapin Oak
Chinkapin Oak – Quercus muehlenbergii
The Chinkapin or Chinquapin, is a fair sized deciduous oak in the white oak group. At maturity this tree will reach 70 feet with a 30 foot canopy. A positive feature is that it can take up to 30 years to produce a substantial crop of small acorns.
The area wildlife will enjoy the acorns. It is a deciduous, moderate growing oak. After established this oak is considered drought tolerant. An excellent tree for Parker county because of its acceptance of alkaline and high pH soils. When this tree reaches maturity, the owner will get a good shade and lots of acorns. This oak can produce a small yellowish to green flower in the spring prior to leaf emergence. Leaves are said to resemble the leaves of chestnut (Castanea) whose nut is sometimes called a chinquapin, thus, the common name. It is true this oak can be susceptible to oak wilt (although somewhat resistant), chestnut blight, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots and powdery mildew. Still the Chinkapin Oak is an excellent tree for Parker county lawns, farm, or ranch lands.
Firewise – Designation by Texas A&M Forest Service