Photo of Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

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Photographer & Copyright

© Doug Goldman

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CC BY 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) vs. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

Updated January 6th, 2021

These two species are sometimes confused where their ranges overlap, due to similar leaf shape, bark, and acorns. They can be distinguished by close examination of the leaves, acorn cap scales, and buds. Swamp Chestnut oak is usually limited to acidic soils and moister habitats, and ranges farther south, whereas Chinquapin oak prefers calcium-rich soils that are less acidic, can grow on much drier sites, and ranges much farther north and west.

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Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana) vs. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

Updated January 5th, 2021

These two white oaks are frequently confused due to similar leaves, and both occurring in dry, rocky uplands. They are easily distinguished by bark or acorns, and with effort, also by leaves. Chestnut oak is mostly limited to dry, upland, forested sites with acidic soil, in or near the Appalachians, whereas Chinquapin oak is most common on calcium-rich soils, can also occur on moister sites, ranges much farther west, and also occurs in savannas.

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