Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Sun/Shade
Water Use: Medium
Mature Size: 40’ H x 40’ W
The Chinquapin oak (also spelled Chinkapin)is a rugged, adaptable shade tree native to New Mexico and primarily occurring in the southeastern mountains. This long-lived deciduous tree is valued for its extreme hardiness in arid climates, and it thrives in high-pH, alkaline, and limestone-based soils. It is a premier choice for landscaping in hot, dry areas because of its deep root system and drought tolerance once established. The tree is easily identified by its rough scabby bark and its glossy, dark-green, oblong leaves with serrated edges. In the fall, foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow, gold, orange or copper. It produces small, sweet acorns that are the preferred food for squirrels, deer, wild turkeys and songbirds like woodpeckers and blue jays. Given its potential width of 30-40 feet, plant it where it has room to spread. This oak will provide southern or western shade to homes under its spreading rounded crown.
As a keystone species, it hosts hundreds of caterpillar species that support local bird populations. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Koasati, traditionally used infusions of the bark and roots for medicinal purposes, including treating fevers, headaches and stomach aches.
The El Capitan cultivar is specifically selected from New Mexico populations for its ability to tolerate higher elevations and more arid, low-humidity environments compared to Eastern varieties.
