Keep Indianapolis Beautiful - Youth Tree Team Project

1. Quercus muehlenbergii
Chinkapin Oak
Josh Garcia and Katie Ullrich

2. Distinguishing Features
.
• Leaves are
sharply round-
toothed, oval
shaped, and
very dark.
• Acorn, nut egg
shaped, dark
brown.
• Thin, light grey
and rough bark.

3. Bark
• Thin
• Scaly ridges, rough
• Light grey

4. Leaves
• Alternate on twig, simple
• Blades tough, oval
• Edges coarsely toothed
• Dark green, smooth, and shiny above
• Pale and finely hairy below

5. Helpful Hints/Fun Facts
 Leaves resemble American Chesnut.
 Medium to large tree, reaching a height of 60-70 ft.
 Grow on moist, fertile, upland woods especially on
limestone soil.
 Especially known for its sweet and palatable acorns.
 Pioneers called it Pigeon oak, presumably for the use
of the acorns by passenger pigeons for food.