Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana
Family: Fagaceae
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Mature Height: ~20 m (~66 ft)
Fall Color: Yellow-brown
Native Range: Chestnut oaks can be found throughout the eastern United States and are typically found on rocky slopes.
Features
The leaves of chestnut oaks are very similar to true chestnut trees, which is where they get their name. They are large, slightly pear-shaped leaves with seven to 16 pairs of rounded teeth with a pale green underleaf. As with all oaks, the fruit of the chestnut oak is an acorn. Chestnut oaks have a deep cupped acorn that is quite large. We recommend not sampling the fruits & nuts of the trees and plants here at Adventure Science Center. The bark is thick, dark, and deeply ridged.
Fun Facts
● Chestnut oak wood is great for firewood.
● The common name is derived from the lobed leaves that are reminiscent of the chestnut tree.
● The acorns of this tree are edible but may be a little bitter. We don’t recommend trying one here!
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