136 



YELLOW OAK. 



Quercus Muhlenbergii, Engelmann. 



FORM An average-sized tree usually attaining a height of 40-50 ft., but occasionally may 

 reach a height of 100 ft., with a diameter of 3-4 feet. Rather stunted in growth in the north- 

 eastern part of its distribution and attains its maximum development along the Wabash river in 

 Indiana and Illinois. Lateral branches are relatively small forming a narrow, often shallow, 

 round-topped head. Trunk often widely buttressed at base. 



BARK Thick, rough, close, fissured into long, irregular ridges which break up into grayish 

 to brownish scales. 



TWIGS Slender, reddish-brown to grayish-brown, at first hairy becoming smooth, longitudinally 

 ridged, covered with pale lenticels; pith star-shaped. 



BUDS Ovoid, sharp-pointed, about 1/6 of an inch long, covered by numerous overlapping, light 

 chestnut-brown scales which are slightly hairy along margin. The buds show a general resem- 

 blance to those of the Chestnut Oak only are smaller. 



LEAVES Resemble those of the Chestnut Oak but have a more acuminate apex; also re- 

 semble those of the common Chestnut with incurved teeth. 



LEAF-SCARS See "Leaf -Scars" under White Oak, page 132. 



FLOWERS Appear about May when leaves are about J developed. Staminate flowers occur 

 in hairy amcnts, 3-4 inches long. Pistillate flowers sessile or short-stalked with bright red 

 stigmas. 



FRUIT An acorn, maturing during one season, usually sessile, occasionally short-stalked. 

 Nut ovoid, J-l inch long, pubescent at apex, light chestnut-brown. Cup thin, encloses about J 

 of nut, covered by pale brown woolly scales with thickened bases and thin tips often forming a 

 fringe along the margin. 



WOOD Diffuse-porous; with less prominent medullary rays than most Oaks; heavy, hard, 

 strong, durable in contact with soil. A distinct difference between spring and summer wood. 

 Used for same purposes as White Oak except for tight cooperage and cabinet work, because it 

 checks very badly. Weighs 53.63 Ibs. per cubic foot. 



DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Yellow Oak, also known as Chinquapin Oak, 

 can be distinguished from the Chestnut Oak by its usually sessile and smaller acorns, smaller 

 buds, more acuminate leaves, and flaky gray bark. It can also be distinguished from the 

 Dwarf Chinquapin Oak by its larger size, sharp-pointed buds, larger and sharper-pointed leaves, 

 and the absence of gray blotches on the bark of the young trunks. 



RANGE Vermont to Minnesota, south to Florida and Texas. 



DISTRIBUTION IN PENNSYLVANIA Rare. Found locally in the southeastern and south- 

 ern parts. It frequents the valleys more than the Chestnut Oak. 



HABITAT Usually found on dry ridges, especially upon limestone soil. 



IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIES The wood of this species is not equal to that of the White 

 Oak and in addition it grows slower. In all localities where both grow the White Oak should be 

 favored, while in localities where the White Oak is absent this Oak might be propagated. It 

 is a beautiful tree and should be planted extensively in parks and lawns on account of its hand- 

 some form and attractive foliage. 



