Chinkapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is a deciduous tree native to much of eastern and central North America. This drought-tolerant oak blooms in May and June, supporting bees and beetles.
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) 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 Chinkapin Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
480"–720" H × 360"–600" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chinkapin oak is a medium to large native tree with attractive rounded crown and glossy green leaves that turn yellow-brown in fall. This drought-tolerant oak adapts well to various soil types and provides excellent shade for residential landscapes.
Growing Chinkapin Oak
Grow Chinkapin Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 480 to 720 inches tall and spread 360 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chinkapin Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space
- Seasonal acorn drop may require cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for hairstreak butterflies, dagger moths.
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as a host plant, while also providing nectar for bees and beetles during spring blooms. Acorns feed numerous wildlife species including squirrels, deer, and various birds.
Common questions
- Where is Chinkapin Oak native?
- Chinkapin Oak is native across much of eastern and central United States, from Florida north to Minnesota and from Texas east to the Atlantic coast.
- When does Chinkapin Oak bloom?
- Chinkapin Oak produces flowers in May and June, with male catkins and small female flowers appearing as new leaves emerge.
- What pollinators visit Chinkapin Oak?
- Chinkapin Oak flowers attract bees and beetles, which help pollinate this wind-pollinated species while foraging for pollen and nectar.
- How much water does Chinkapin Oak need?
- Chinkapin Oak is drought tolerant once established and naturally grows in areas with low to moderate rainfall, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Is Chinkapin Oak toxic to dogs?
- Chinkapin Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Chinkapin Oak toxic to cats?
- Chinkapin Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Chinkapin Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chinkapin Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Chinkapin Oak HOA-friendly?
- Chinkapin 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 Chinkapin 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