Swamp Chestnut Oak
Specifications
- Also known as: Basket Oak
- Latin (scientific) name: Quercus michauxii
- Life expectancy: 300 years
- Height: 110 feet
- Circumference: 14 feet
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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.
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Special characteristics:
Note that this is a different species from the chestnut oak (Quercus prinus). Chestnut oaks are uncommon in Atlanta.
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Annoyance factors:
Acorns are about 1-1/4 inches long.
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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.
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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