Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
As a Keystone Plant, Chinquapin Oak is the host for the Red-Spotted Purple and 451 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)! It is also beneficial for the threatened Northern Hairstreak (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). The acorns are enjoyed by a large number of birds and mammals (illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org). What an exceptional plant to have on your landscape.
Photo Credit: John Blair
As a Keystone Plant, Chinquapin Oak is the host for the Red-Spotted Purple and 451 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)! It is also beneficial for the threatened Northern Hairstreak (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). The acorns are enjoyed by a large number of birds and mammals (illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org). What an exceptional plant to have on your landscape.
Photo Credit: John Blair
As a Keystone Plant, Chinquapin Oak is the host for the Red-Spotted Purple and 451 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)! It is also beneficial for the threatened Northern Hairstreak (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). The acorns are enjoyed by a large number of birds and mammals (illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org). What an exceptional plant to have on your landscape.
Photo Credit: John Blair
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial (prefers sun, but will tolerate some partial shade)
Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-dry, Dry
Height: up to 60 feet
Plant Spacing: 30 feet
Bloom Time: April-June
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Bird Favorite
Host Plant: Red-Spotted Purple and 451 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: Northern Hairstreak (Fixsenia favonius ontario) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)
