Rock Chestnut Oak

96-07    Rock chestnut oak (Quercus montana) is common in the Appalachians but very rare in Illinois, being found wild only in a few places in the Shawnee National Forest. Planted trees do well in our area, however, and the largest one known in Illinois can be seen in Springfield. It is a resilient species, and this one was grown from seed found in the sterile soil conditions of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It is unusual for a native white oak in having dark, deeply fissured bark, similar to northern red oak and some of the European oaks.

Location:     39.826614 N, 89.658357 W

Map: Get walking directions here!

96-07b One of several rock chestnut oaks (Quercus montana) in Oak Ridge, this tree is common in the Appalachians and eastward but very rare in Illinois, being found wild only in a few places in the Shawnee National Forest. Planted trees do well in our area, however, and the largest one known in Illinois can be seen in Springfield. It has great fall color and is unusual for a native white oak in having dark, deeply fissured bark, similar to northern red oak and some of the European oaks. This is a resilient species, and this one was grown from seed found in the sterile soil conditions of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

Location:     39.825723 N, 89.662531 W

Map: Get walking directions here!

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