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Four Season Virtual Tree Trail

Station Six - Chinquapin Oak Quercus  muehlenbergii

 

The chinquapin oak is named after the shape of its leaves.  Chinquapin is an Algonquian word for the American Chestnut, now almost gone from America’s forests.  The two species have similar shaped leaves.  In pioneer times Chinquapin Oaks grew up to 5 feet in diameter and 160 feet tall.  The range of the Chinquapin Oak extends across much of the eastern United States, from Michigan south to Louisiana.

Habitat:  Dry wooded slopes, frequently in limestone areas.  Note the limestone outcrops visible around Station Six.

 

 
Station Six
   
 
  Chinquapin Oak Leaf

Identification:  The leaves are simple, alternate, paler and downy below and 4 inches to 6 inches in length.   The margin of the leaves has large teeth that are tipped with glands (but not bristles). 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 
Chinquapin Oak Bark

 

The bark of the Chinquapin Oak is ashy-gray with shallow fissures.  The bark breaks into large flaky scales on older trees.

 

Cavities like the one seen in this tree are used for shelter by many woodland creatures, including owls like the Barred Owl.

 

 

 

 

   
 
  Emerging Leaves and Catkin

The flowers of the Chiquapin Oak are catkins and appear in April along with the emerging leaves.  This species is monoecious, so both the male and female catkins appear on a single tree.

 

Other Uses and Lore:  Native Americans ground the acorns into flour for cooking.  Pioneers used the very heavy and durable wood for all types of construction, including split rail fences.  Railroads used the wood for railroad ties, and much timber was used for bridge planking. 

 

 The Trail From Station Six to Station Seven

 

As you move from Station Six to Station Seven, look for wildflowers along the edges of the trail.  The small, umbrella-like flower of the May Apple can be found in many spots along the tree trail.  Station Seven will be on the right side of the trail.

 

 
   
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