Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana
Also listed as Quercus monticola, Quercus carolineana
Also known as Rock Chestnut Oak, Mountain Chestnut Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A large native oak with deeply lobed leaves that turn yellow to rust in fall and distinctive chestnut-like leaves. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and provides excellent wildlife value.
Why grow it
Chestnut oak is a strong choice where you want a large native oak suited to upland or poor soils that many other oaks struggle with. Compared to other eastern oaks, it has notably thick, leathery leaves and produces smaller acorns that wildlife readily consume. Its fall color and wildlife value are reliable, and it requires minimal management once established.
Watch out for
This species grows slowly, so plan for a long establishment period before it reaches significant size. Young trees may need protection from deer browse in areas with high populations. It performs best in well-drained soils and dislikes wet conditions, so avoid planting in low-lying or compacted sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A large native oak with deeply lobed leaves that turn yellow to rust in fall and distinctive chestnut-like leaves. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and provides excellent wildlife value.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chestnut Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chestnut oak is a strong choice where you want a large native oak suited to upland or poor soils that many other oaks struggle with. Compared to other eastern oaks, it has notably thick, leathery leaves and produces smaller acorns that wildlife readily consume. Its fall color and wildlife value are reliable, and it requires minimal management once established.
Watch out for
This species grows slowly, so plan for a long establishment period before it reaches significant size. Young trees may need protection from deer browse in areas with high populations. It performs best in well-drained soils and dislikes wet conditions, so avoid planting in low-lying or compacted sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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