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Chinquapin Oak Tree

Chinquapin Oak TreeThe Chinquapin Oak (Quercus prinoides, Willd.) is a shrub, which spreads by underground stems. Its opening leaves are silvery below and orange-red above. In autumn they turn bright red again. The little sweet acorn probably suggested the common name. From its leaves and habit this oak is called the scrub chestnut oak. It occurs from Maine to Minnesota, and south to Alabama and Texas. In the West it seems to intergrade with the preceding species. Horticulturally it is a desirable species for covering dry, sterile areas.