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Quercus taxonomy
Quercus michauxii Nutt.
EOL Text
Although the species is widely distributed on the best well-drained loamy first-bottom ridges, it is principally found on well-drained silty clay, loamy terraces, and colluvial (rocky deposit) sites in the bottomlands of large and small streams.
For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Website.
Although it is not a prolific sprouter, swamp chestnut oak can vegetatively reproduce by sprouts from roots and stumps. Regeneration from seed is greatly hindered by animal activity. Seed germination takes place soon following seedfall, with literally no period of dormancy. A moist, well-drained loam, covered with a light litter layer, provides an excellent seedbed. It is site sensitivity with growth greatly influenced by soil type and drainage. Acorns may be drilled in rows 8 to 10 inches apart or broadcast and covered with ¼ inch of firmed soil.
In a nursery setting, seedbed densities of 10 to 35 acorns per square foot are recommended. Fall-sown beds should be mulched to protect seeds and seedlings. Partial shade is beneficial for germination. Seedlings are transplanted after the first year.
Swamp chestnut oak sprouts, though not prolifically, from roots and stumps.
Swamp chestnut oak has been used in restoring degraded bottomland
hardwood forests of the Southeast [21].
Quercus montana Willd.
More info for the terms: swamp, tree
Swamp chestnut oak is a native deciduous tree that reaches heights of 60
to 80 feet (20-25 m) and diameters of 2 to 3 feet (0.6-1 m) [30].
Maximum height is 130 feet (40 m), with a diameter of 7 feet (2.2 m).
The crown is round, compacted, and narrow. It is distinguished from
other oaks by 9 to 14 parallel lateral veins on each side of its leaves.
The underside of its leaves are hairy and about 11 inches (28 cm) wide
and 6.3 inches (16 cm) long [5]. Its bark is scaly, furrowed, and grey.
The swamp chestnut oak fruit is a one-seeded acorn (rarely two seeds)
that occurs singly or in clusters [22]. Acorns are about 1 to 1.4
inches (2.5-3.5 cm) long; the top is enclosed by a scaly cap, which can
cover as much as one-third of the acorn [5].
Swamp chestnut oak is found in the forest cover type Swamp Chestnut Oak-Cherrybark Oak (Society of American Foresters Type 91), which varies widely in composition (2). Often swamp chestnut oak and cherrybark oak (Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia) make up a majority of the stocking although if many species are in the mixture, they may account for only a plurality. Other hardwoods are white ash (Fraxinus americana), shagbark (Carya ovata), shellbark (C. laciniosa), mockernut (C. tomentosa), and bitternut (C. cordiformis) hickory Chief associates are white oak Quercus alba), Delta post oak (Q. stellata var. paludosa), Shumard oak (Q. shumardii), and blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica). Occasionally, sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is important on first-bottom ridges. Minor associates include willow oak Quercus phellos), southern red oak (Q. falcata var. falcata), post oak (Q. stellata), American elm (Ulmus americana), winged elm (U. alata), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), and spruce pine (P. glabra).
Among the noncommercial trees or plant associates are devils-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa), painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), swamp dogwood (Cornus stricta), dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), Coastal Plain willow (Salix caroliniana), American snowbell (Styrax americanus), southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and possumhaw viburnum (V nudum).
Animal activity greatly inhibits regeneration of swamp chestnut oak from seed. Germination, which is hypogeal, usually starts soon after seedfall, with little or no period of dormancy. A moist, well-drained loam, covered with a light litter layer, provides an excellent seedbed. First-year height growth is related to soil type and drainage. Second-year growth is only related to soil type. This suggests that the species is site sensitive (4).
The stem of the 1-year-old seedling is generally smooth but is covered near the terminal bud with hairs. At first it is reddish brown but becomes gray after the first year, especially at the base. Small, round, inconspicuous lenticels are found on the upper stem. The terminal bud is about 6 mm (0.25 in) long and light brown. The lateral buds are of the same color but are only about 3 mm (0.125 in) long. A cluster of lateral buds around the terminal bud is common.
Swamp chestnut oak acorns are an important food for a variety of birds
and mammals, including white-tailed deer, black bear, red fox, wild
turkey, northern bobwhite, waterfowl, and squirrels [1,24]. Acorns are
also used as fodder for livestock, including chickens [2]. Tannins in
the acorns can poison livestock at high concentrations.
Qercus prinus L.