Description
A worthy specimen for larger lawns, estates, or parks. A medium to large size oak with 4″-6 1/2″ glistening dark green leaves in summer turning yellow-orange to orangish-brown in fall. Produces 1″ sweet acorns that mature in a single season. The acorns are at the top of the food preference list for many wildlife species. The bark is an ashy light gray that breaks into narrow, thin flakes. As this species matures, it becomes a magnificent specimen and a conversation piece. Does best in well-drained soil and adapts to many different soil types. Grow in full sun.
The chinkapin oak is also commonly referred to as a yellow chestnut oak, rock oak or yellow oak. Early pioneers used its straight wood to make thousands of miles of fences in the states of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Later on, the trees were used to fuel the steamships that ran from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. They were also used as railroad ties for the new railroads that crisscrossed the Midwest.
Sun | H: 40-50′ W: 40-50′ | zone 4-7
