Chinkapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Quercus muehlenbergii
- Variety / cultivar
- Chinkapin
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–7
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
- Tolerates
- Hot south- or west-facing walls
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Chinkapin Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Chinkapin Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Chinkapin Oak get?
- It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Chinkapin Oak need?
- Give Chinkapin Oak about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Chinkapin Oak grow into?
- Chinkapin Oak typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Chinkapin Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Chinkapin Oak is hardy in USDA 5–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Chinkapin Oak need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Chinkapin Oak grow?
- Chinkapin Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Chinkapin Oak live?
- Chinkapin Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Chinkapin Oak turn in fall?
- Chinkapin Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Chinkapin Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Chinkapin Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Chinkapin Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Chinkapin Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Chinkapin Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
