The leaves on this oak turn a nice bronze-orange in the fall, and the acorns are favored by many of the wildlife animals including deer, turkey, squirrels, and mice.  Chestnut oaks are often harvested and the lumber sold as white oak since the two are very similar. 

The Chestnut Oak has a very distinctive bark that is really quite
attractive. The bark is one of a kind with very heavily ridged
dark grayish-brown coloring and very thick bark. This oak has the
thickest bark of any oak located in the Eastern United States.


Characteristics

v Type of Tree:  
         Shade tree 
v Light:
         Full sun.  
v Soil Type:
         Will grow in dry, infertile, and rocky areas.  Grows best in 
         moist, well-drained soil.  
v Size at Maturity:
         Grows 60'-70' tall with a spread of 60'-70' feet wide.         
v Growth:  
          Slow-medium growth rate.
v Lifespan:  
         Long lived.
v Shape:  
         Rounded shape. 
v Blooming Time:  
         April-May
v Flowers:  
         Yellowish-green catkins. 
v Fruit:  
         Acorns; drop from September-October
v Growing Zones:  
         Zones 4-8. (Zone Map)    

                              



Chestnut Oak leaves and acorn (left).

Chestnut catkins and new leaf growth (right).