Chinkapin Oak

Quercus muhlenbergii

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

▲ young tree

▲▼ leaves

▲▼ leaves

▲ buds 

▲▼ acorns

Location on Missouri State University campus:  in retention basin area at southwest corner of National and Grand

Quercus muehlenbergii: Chinkapin Oak

      leaves alternate, deciduous, simple, ovate to lanceolate and shallowly lobed; dark green above, white pubescent underneath; 4-6.5" long and 1/3-1/2 as wide; leaves tend to hang vertically from twigs

      stems brown, shiny, slender

      bark gray and rough and scaly

      grows 40-50' tall and rounded open habit

      prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates dry, clayey soils and wide pH range

      acorn is dark-brown to black 2 to 1" long and enclosed 2 by thin cap

      medium growth rate

      native to Missouri (including Springfield)