Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblanceolate to elliptical with shallow, rounded, crenate-toothed lobes
Margin
Crenate to coarsely wavy-toothed, featuring rounded, chestnut-like lobes
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twigs
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and 10 to 15 pairs of straight, parallel lateral veins ending in the margin teeth
Key Features
Distinguished by its thick, deeply furrowed bark resembling ridged blocks and its distinctively chestnut-like leaves with rounded, shallow lobes
Description
Quercus montana is a medium-sized deciduous tree recognized for its deeply furrowed, dark grey to black bark resembling ridged blocks. It produces large acorns that serve as a crucial food source for wildlife and displays rich golden-brown foliage in autumn.
Habitat
Dry, rocky ridges, hillsides, and upland forests with acidic, well-drained soils and full sun exposure
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, primarily ranging from Maine south to Georgia, and west to Ohio and Tennessee