Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Chinkapin Oak are narrowly oblong with dentated to undulated lobes. They are typically 4″ to 7″ long, and the venation is pinnate. They are usually dark green but turn yellow in the fall.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig of the Chinkapin Oak is orangish-brown. They have multiple terminal buds, and each bud has many scales.
Bark Identification
The Chinkapin Oak has rough, grayish-tan bark that is unusually flaky. it is also fissured and broken into squares.
Fruit Identification
The fruit is 1/2″ to 1″ long acorn. It is typically broadest around the middle, and the cup covers about a third of the acorn. It forms a tattered fringe on the margin of the cup.
Flower Identification
The male flowers of the Chinkapin Oak are 3″ and 4″ long, yellow-green catkins. The females are green to reddish and very small spikes. They tend to cluster in the leaf axils.
[photo forthcoming]