Chinkapin Oak

Quercus muehlenbergii
Fagaceae
Quercus muehlenbergii leaves
Quercus muehlenbergii bark MJP
Quercus muehlenbergii form
More commonly growing on limestone soils in Southwestern Ohio. Prefers moist, alkaline soils with organic layer. Acorn production during mast years can be messy to maintain. Oak wilt in the region is spreading and is of special concern when considering planting this species.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Good
Wildlife Benefits
Acorns food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host; cavity nesting site; bat roosting site; insect host, attracts woodpeckers
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
5 to 7
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
477
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Rocky: Large pieces of gravel and rock. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Dry: Soil normally retains little to no water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Oak wilt (less susceptible than red oak group)
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Rare
  • Oak Mixed: Rare
  • Alluvial: Rare
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Alkaline (pH>7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant to Aerial Salt Spray: Tree will not become stressed when salt drift in the air
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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