The Chestnut Oak

One of the most common trees in the Town Forest is the Chestnut Oak(Quercus prinus). Everything about this tree is big! The deeply furrowed bark is it's most notable characteristic.


This tree is unusual in southeastern Massachusetts, and typically grows to 70 feet on windy ridges, but can grow twice that high in the right conditions. Its large lobed leaves are up to 8 inches long and a rich deep green. It is among the largest of native American oaks, and a valuable source of food for wildlife with very large acorns. It flowers in May with a 2 -3" display of pale yellow calyx. http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/syllabus/picts/qprinusfruit.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut_oak