Swamp Chestnut Oak

  • Swamp Chestnut Oak Leaves

    Swamp Chestnut Oak Leaves

  • Swamp Chestnut Oak Bark

    Swamp Chestnut Oak Bark

  • Swamp Chestnut Oak Flowers

    Swamp Chestnut Oak Flowers

  • Swamp Chestnut Oak Acorns

    Swamp Chestnut Oak Acorns

  • Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree

    Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree

    Specifications

    • Also known as: Basket Oak
    • Latin (scientific) name: Quercus michauxii
    • Life expectancy: 300 years
    • Height: 110 feet
    • Circumference: 14 feet
    • The height and circumference measurements listed above are for the largest-known swamp chestnut oak tree in Atlanta. It is located at Clear Creek Nature Preserve in Brookwood Hills.

    • Special characteristics:

      Note that this is a different species from the chestnut oak (Quercus prinus). Chestnut oaks are uncommon in Atlanta.

    • Annoyance factors:

      Acorns are about 1-1/4 inches long.

    • Fun Facts:

      The decay-resistant wood of the chestnut oak was used for fence posts. The bark was highly prized for its tannin content; in the colonial days, it was used extensively for tanning hides.

    • Photo Credits:

      Leaves: Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org
      Bark: Peter Jenkins, TreeInspection.com
      Acorns: Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org
      Flowers: Steven J. Baskauf, Vanderbilt University Bioimages
      Tree: Peter Jenkins, TreeInspection.com