Dwarf Chinkapin Oak (Quercus prinoides)
$40.00
Category: Trees | Windbreak | Wildlife | Bird Habitat | Drought Tolerant | Dry Site | Mesic Site | Pollination | GreatPlants for the Great Plains
The Dwarf Chinkapin Oak (Quercus prinoides) is one of the best native shrub oaks for Great Plains landscapes. Compact, tough, and wildlife-focused, this species is especially valued for its early and reliable acorn production—often beginning when plants are just three to four years old. Unlike many oaks, Dwarf Chinkapin Oak produces consistent acorn crops nearly every year. Its small, chocolate-brown acorns are less bitter and more palatable than those of most oaks, making them a favorite food source for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife.
In spring, sulfur-yellow catkins add subtle seasonal interest, followed by dark green foliage that turns a golden-orange in fall. This adaptable native tolerates drought, poor soils, and heat, and can be grown as a large shrub or pruned into a small tree—making it an excellent choice for windbreaks, habitat plantings, and naturalized landscapes.
A 2008 GreatPlants Release, this oak was grown from seed collected in southeast Nebraska, ensuring regional adaptability and resilience.
NATIVE RANGE
Larger sizes available for local customers.
Check availability here.
Additional information
| Scientific Name | Quercus prinoides |
|---|---|
| Height | 10-15' |
| Spread | 10-15' |
| Foliage | Dark green |
| Fall Foliage | Golden-orange |
| Native To | Eastern Midwest Region, Eastern U.S., Great Lakes Region, NE, Southeastern Region |
| Zone | 4 |
| Size | 1 gallon |
