Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Quercus montana (Chestnut Oak) is a native deciduous tree found throughout eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This drought-tolerant oak blooms in April and May, supporting bees, beetles, and wasps.
Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Chestnut Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
480"–960" H × 360"–720" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, wasps
Chestnut oak is a large native tree with distinctive rounded, scalloped leaves and deeply furrowed bark. It produces acorns in fall and displays attractive yellow-brown autumn color before dropping its leaves.
Growing Chestnut Oak
Grow Chestnut Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 480 to 960 inches tall and spread 360 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chestnut Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space
- Acorn drop may need seasonal cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for brown-tail moth, gypsy moth, winter moth, polyphemus moth.
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plant, while acorns feed squirrels, deer, and many bird species. Spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps for pollination.
Common questions
- Where does Chestnut Oak naturally grow?
- Chestnut Oak is native to eastern North America, with populations spanning from Maine south to Georgia and west to Illinois and Missouri. It grows naturally in 24 states across this region.
- When does Chestnut Oak bloom?
- Chestnut Oak produces flowers during April and May. Like other oaks, it has separate male and female flowers on the same tree.
- What pollinators visit Chestnut Oak?
- Chestnut Oak flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and wasps. The tree's wind-pollinated flowers also provide pollen resources for these insects.
- What growing conditions does Chestnut Oak prefer?
- Chestnut Oak thrives in full sun locations and tolerates dry conditions well. It can adapt to partial sun and moderate moisture levels but performs best with good drainage.
- Is Chestnut Oak toxic to dogs?
- Chestnut Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Chestnut Oak toxic to cats?
- Chestnut Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Chestnut Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chestnut Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Chestnut Oak HOA-friendly?
- Chestnut Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chestnut Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz