Swamp Chestnut Oak—Quercus michauxii

Large | Deciduous | Height: 60-80 feet | Spread: 55-65 feet

This tree thrives in moist, well-drained acidic soils ranging from sandy to silty clay loams and prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. The large leathery leaves have soft downy hairs on the undersides that turn a scarlet red in autumn before falling, making for relatively easy leaf cleanup. At 20-25 years of age, the trees produce sweet-tasting, edible acorns that can be eaten directly from the tree. These acorns become a valuable food source for wildlife like woodpeckers, blue jays, ruffed grouse, ducks, small mammals, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.

The Carolina Chickadee frequents this tree that serves as a host plant for the Imperial Moth.

More information on the characteristics and cultivation of this species can be found at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-michauxii.