BEECH FAMILY 



THE FRUIT: a nut. The cup of the "acorn" is saucer- 

 shaped with a somewhat round base; the kernel somewhat 

 ovoid, longer than the cup. 



This is one of the dwarf oaks of the Commons, where, 

 with its spreading and twisted branches, it makes, up 

 longitudinally for what it lacks in height. Like other 

 oaks, its leaves vary, having usually five lobes, but there 

 are chances for three or even seven; and, if the strong 

 winds have not worn away the bristles, every lobe is 

 bristle- tipped. 



Later in the summer, the tree is filled with the abundant 

 acorns. In the fall the leaves turn maroon and do their 

 share in making the Commons actually blossom in reds 

 and yellows and crimsons. 



FAGACE^: BEECH FAMILY 



Quercus prinoides, Willd. 



April-May Scrub Oak, 



Scrub Chestnut Oak, 

 Dwarf Chestnut Oak, 

 Chinkapin or Chinquapin. 



Quercus: for derivation see alba. 



Prinoides: resembling Quercus prinus, the Chestnut Oak. 



THE PREFERRED HABITAT: dry, sandy soil of the Commons, 

 where it often forms dense thickets. 



THE TREE: from two feet to six feet or more in height, 

 profusely branched, the branches often spreading on the 

 ground; the bark light brown, charged with tannic acid. 



THE LEAVES: alternate; obovate or oblong; densely covered 

 on the underneath side with short, soft hairs, which are 

 sometimes slightly tawny; acute or acuminate at the apex; 

 wedge-shaped at the base; the petioles stout, short, 

 flattened and grooved ; coarsely wavy-toothed, with round- 

 ed or acute teeth; mid-rib and primary veins conspicuous. 



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