Quercus muehlenbergii

The Chinkapin Oak is a medium to large tree reaching a height of 70 feet with a trunk up to 3 feet in diameter. It has a rounded crown of glossy green leaves. The Chinkapin Oak is widely planted as a shade tree. This tree occurs naturally from Central Texas to northeast Texas and south to the Guadalupe River.

The leaves are oval to elliptical 4-6 inches long and 1.5-2 inches wide. The leaf edges are toothed but without bristle-tips. These are handsome leaves.

The acorn requires just one season to mature. It is 0.5-inch to 1.25-inches long and light to dark brown when ripe. The acorns are edible if roasted.

The bark is light gray and deeply furrowed on older trunks.

Chinkapin Oaks form heavy, hard, strong, durable wood. It can be polished and used for barrels, fencing, fuel, and furniture.

What a beautiful oak tree!