Swamp chestnut oak, Basket oak, Cow oak
Quercus michauxii
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A large tree. The crown is compact and rounded. It grows to 18-24 m high. The trunk is 60-90 cm across. The bark is light grey and cracks into scaly plates. The leaves are 10-23 cm long and 5-14 cm wide. They are oval and broadest above the middle. The edges are wavy and there are 10-14 rounded teeth on each side. They are shiny green above and greyish green underneath with soft hairs. The acorns are large and sweet. They are 2.5-3 cm long and egg shaped. About 1/3 is enclosed in a deep thick cup.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist sites and well-drained sandy loams. It SE regions of the USA it grows up to 300 m altitude. It suits hardiness zone 6.
Countries/locations it is found in
North America, USA
How it is used for food
The acorns are sweet and can be eaten raw without boiling.
Edible parts
Seeds, nuts