Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana (syn. Quercus prinus) · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Obovate to oblanceolate with shallow, rounded, crenate-toothed lobes
Margin
Crenate to coarsely scalloped with rounded teeth resembling the leaves of the American Chestnut
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and straight, parallel lateral veins running directly into the tips of the rounded lobes
Key Features
Distinctive chestnut-like rounded lobes and scalloped margins, thick and deeply furrowed dark bark, and preference for dry, rocky upland ridges
Description
Quercus montana is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its deeply furrowed, thick, dark brown bark that resembles ridged corduroy. It produces large, sweet acorns that are a favorite of wildlife. In autumn, the foliage transitions from deep green to rich yellow and brown before dropping.
Habitat
Dry, rocky ridges, hillsides, and upland forests with well-drained acidic soils; highly tolerant of poor, rocky, and dry conditions in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to the eastern United States, ranging from southern Maine south to Georgia, and west to Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee