SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK 



(Basket Oak, or Cow Oak) 



(Quercus prinus L., i'onuerly Q. micliaiuii Xult.) 



THIS tree occurs in the bottomlands of the State, 

 but is rather sparsely distributed. In the appear- 

 ance of its bark and branches it closely resembles 

 the ordinary white oak, but may be distinguished by 

 means of the leaf and acorn. The tree attains heights 

 of about 100 feet and diameters of about 4 feet. 



The leaves are 

 oval, broader to- 

 wards the point and 

 notched on the edge 

 somewhat like the 

 chestnut oak. They 

 vary from 4 to 8 

 inches in length, are 

 downy beneath and 

 turn a rich crimson 

 in the fall. The bark 

 is a very light gray, 

 K and on old trees is 

 l>roken into broad 

 flakes or divided into 

 strips. 



Tlie acorn, or fruit, 

 attains a diameter of 

 more than an inch and a length of li/o inches. The 

 acorn, which is a bright shiny brown and set in a 

 rather shallow cup, is considerably larger than that 

 of the white oak. It is frequently eaten by cows and 

 this fact gives the tree one of its common names. 



The wood is heavy, hard, tough, strong, and takes 

 an excellent polish. It is used in manufacturing 

 lumber, veneer, boards (shakes), tight cooperage; 

 for fuel and fence posts ; and extensively for making 

 baskets. 



SWAMP CHBSTMT OAK 

 Leaf, one-third natural size. 

 Twij?, one-liaif natural size. 



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