Chinquapin Oak Common Name: Ozark Chinquapin Botanical Name: Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis Chinquapin Oak Plant family: Fagaceae Location: Art Trail Growing zone: 5-9 Height: 50-60 ft. Spread: 50-60 ft. Bloom time: April Bloom description: Long yellow catkins (male) appear in many directions out of the new growth, while the female flowers appear in the axils. Leaf type: The 8 in. leaves are light green in color and fade to gold in the fall. They are serrated, with predominant teeth at the end of the serrations. Garden uses: Once a dominant tree in this region, the Ozark Chinquapin was nearly driven to extinction by Chestnut Blight. Most Ozark Chinquapins that survived the blight can be seen growing on rocky hillsides in the Arkansas and Missouri Ozarks. Wildlife benefits: The flowers provide nectar for the early honeybees. The nuts are a favorite for a variety of mammals (e.g., squirrels, chipmunks, and deer) and birds (e.g., turkey and bobwhite).
