Fall

Winter

Spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

The twigs of the Chinquapin Oak can vary from yellowish to reddish to straw-brown in color.   The twigs are slender, smooth and lenticellate.

 

 

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

 

 The Trail From Station Six to Station Seven

Eastern Fence Lizard

On warm summer days watch for reptiles like this Eastern Fence Lizard on the sides of the trail and on woody debris along the trail.  The throat of the males is bright blue during the breeding season.  Station Seven will be on the right side of the trail.

 

 

   
Webmaster: Amanda Sherlin
The Center for Environmental Education is a branch of the MTSU Biology Department
Web Design, Imaging and Recordings © 2008 Bob English, Leaps