Chestnut oak

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Quercus prinus
CHESTNUT OAK

Fagaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates L-7 (near southeast corner of retention pond; northwest of parking lot #6B), N 39°11'12'' W 75°32'46''

Planting history: planted November 2010. Source: Donated by Octoraro Native Plant Nursery (via Dr. S. Yost).

Description:
  • medium- to large-sized deciduous tree
  • etymology: Quercus = the Latin name; prinus = from Greek name for European oak
  • formerly Quercus montana (synonym)
  • leaves simple, alternate; with 7-16 pairs of large rounded teeth
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same tree); flowers tiny; male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers inconspicuous
  • fruit is an acorn (develops from ovary of female flower)
  • in the “white oak group”; leaf teeth rounded; acorn matures in 1 year; acorn in this species unusually bitter/inedible for white oak group
  • end buds clustered (typical of oaks)
  • native habitat fields, and dry to moist steep wooded slopes
  • bark distinctive; deeply ridged, dark

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)

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