Chinkapin oak makes an excellent medium-sized shde tree with desirable shape, height, and wildlife benefits. It grows in a wide range of conditions, though it's usually associated with limestone soils. The deep, coarse root system makes it suitable for planting in urban sites and as a street tree. Drought conditions are not a problem.
"Chinkapin" is an Algonquin term for chestnuts and is used as the common name here because the leaves have a similar appearance to those of chestnut trees.
Not all acorns are created equally, and the acorns of chinkapin oaks are sweet and edible when roasted. Other oak species have acorns that can be quite bitter. Deer, turkey, and many other animals feed on the nutritious, palatable acorns. This is an excellent, long-lived shade tree that is sure to attract plenty of wildlife.
Uses: Shade tree, drought tolerant, wildlife, edible
Height: Up to 60 feet
Space: 20 to 40 feet
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Moisture: Dry to average
