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Description
Quercus Muehlenbergii, also known as chinkapin oak or yellow chestnut oak, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It typically grows to a height of 50 to 80 feet and has a spread of 40 to 60 feet. The tree has a rounded crown and a straight trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 3 feet.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Fagales |
Family | Fagaceae |
Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The leaves of Quercus Muehlenbergii are simple, alternate, and obovate in shape. They are 4 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green and shiny, while the lower surface is paler and has a slight pubescence. The tree produces yellow-green flowers in the spring, which are followed by acorns that are 1 to 1.5 inches long and have a cup-like cap.
Care Guide
Quercus Muehlenbergii prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The tree is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. It does not require fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Quercus Muehlenbergii is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Quercus Muehlenbergii is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to oak wilt, a fungal disease that can kill the tree. Other diseases that can affect the tree include leaf blight, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. Common pests that can infest Quercus Muehlenbergii include oak leafminer, gall wasp, and oak lace bugs.
Habitat
Quercus Muehlenbergii is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and floodplains. The tree prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate dry, rocky, or sandy soils.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Quercus Muehlenbergii grow?
A: Quercus Muehlenbergii grows at a moderate rate of 12 to 18 inches per year.
Q: When is the best time to prune Quercus Muehlenbergii?
A: The best time to prune Quercus Muehlenbergii is in the winter when the tree is dormant.
Q: How tall does Quercus Muehlenbergii grow?
A: Quercus Muehlenbergii can grow to a height of 50 to 80 feet.
Q: Does Quercus Muehlenbergii produce acorns?
A: Yes, Quercus Muehlenbergii produces acorns that are 1 to 1.5 inches long and have a cup-like cap.
Related Plants
- Quercus alba (White Oak)
- Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
- Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)
- Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak)
References
- Dirr, M. A., & Warren, J. S. (2019). Dirr’s Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Timber Press.
- Harrington, T. C., & McNew, D. (2018). Oak Wilt. In Diseases of Trees and Shrubs (pp. 295-313). Comstock Publishing Associates.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Quercus Muehlenbergii. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278490&isprofile=0&basic=Quercus%20muehlenbergii